MORE than three hundred mourners gathered in Worle last week to say a sad farewell to North Somerset Council leader Alan Hockridge. A celebration of life service was held at St Martin's Church for the 63-year-old who died suddenly after suffering a heart

MORE than three hundred mourners gathered in Worle last week to say a sad farewell to North Somerset Council leader Alan Hockridge.A celebration of life service was held at St Martin's Church for the 63-year-old who died suddenly after suffering a heart attack on April 14.Crowds of friends, colleagues and acquaintances spilled out of the hilltop church to pay their respects to Alan, who was known to many for his years of service on North Somerset Council and in the rugby community.The service on Tuesday (April 24) was conducted by Rev Carol Gill and close friend Dick Berry gave an uplifting account of Alan's life and paid tribute to the man who 'seemed so alive all the time' and 'fitted more into his 63 years than most could into two lifetimes'.Mr Berry spoke about his long friendship with Alan and his many legacies in the area including saving Winscombe Rugby Club grounds and helping to keep the police station bar from closing.The retired Lloyds bank manager was described as 'always having a good word for all' and without 'pomp and ceremony'. Mr Berry said: "Power was not important but in the context that he could achieve things for the community, then power was everything. He wanted to win and make a difference."Alan, who was leader of Weston's Liberal Democrats, had been out canvassing for the forthcoming election shortly before he died.Church Road was closed for the duration of the public service, after which Alan's wife Carol, daughter Sarah, son-in-law James and granddaughter Olivia left for a private burial. The family requested no photographs of them at the service.Anyone who would like to make a donation in Alan's memory can do so to the British Heart Foundation via The Elms Funeral Directors in Baker Street, Weston.