THE life of former mayor of Weymouth and Portland Alan Martindale has been celebrated at a special funeral service.

Mr Martindale, 91, who lived on Portland, passed away at Dorset County Hospital on New Year’s Day.

He was a much-loved father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Scores of people packed into Easton Methodist Church on Portland yesterday to pay their respects including Weymouth and Portland mayor Ray Banham.

Mr Martindale was born in Kendal, Cumbria in 1922 but came to Portland in 1941 while serving in the RAF.

He joined Portland Urban District Council in 1958 serving until 1973, and due to the local government reorganisation he then moved to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council as a member of the planning, harbour and industry, environmental health and control committees.

Mr Martindale was mayor from 1993 until 1994, which at the time, marked a 35-year career as councillor for Portland Underhill and 19 years service with the borough.

He was made an honorary alderman of the borough in 1995.

Mr Martindale’s wife Mollie, 69, was joined by family, friends and various councillors at the funeral service, conducted by Reverend Chris Briggs, before a private family cremation.