MOURNERS from various sections of Basingstoke community life joined family and friends to pay their last respects to three times borough mayor Roger Morris.

The large congregation at St Michael's Church for the funeral of the popular father-of-tw0, who was a councillor for 34 years, heard that he was driven by his integrity and desire to serve.

Mr Morris was given a full civic funeral as, at the time of his death, there were moves to make him a Freeman of the Borough in recognition of his outstanding service to the community.

In the church were civic leaders, councillors, former mayors and representatives of the many local organisations with which Mr Morris had been linked during his long involvement with public life.

Mr Morris died on August 14, the day before his 66th birthday, after losing a six-month battle with a brain tumour.

He had been mayor of Basingstoke for a record three times -1970-71, 1981-82 and 1997-98.

The address was given by the Rev Canon Clifford Wright, former incumbent of St Michael's and Mr Morris' chaplain during his second term as mayor.

He said there was great sadness that Mr Morris had died before being able to retire from the insurance business he set up in 1977.

The Rev Wright added: "He worked hard and with integrity.

"He worked for people and with people and the hallmark of his business was his personal touch."

He said an indication of Mr Morris' willingness to serve was his presidency of the operatic society and of the Jubilee Swimming Club, despite not being able to either sing or swim.

Among his other commitments had been chairmanship of the Road Safety Council, support for local Scouts and an interest in providing sports facilities.

The congregation heard that Mr Morris and his wife Susan worshipped at St Michael's, which was in Mr Morris' electoral ward.

The Rev Wright added: "e was an enthusiastic and cheerful man, affirming everything and everybody, enjoying every minute of his time as mayor"

"In every part of his life, he touched the lives of so many people."

In her tribute to Mr Morris, Cllr Rita Burgess, the current mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, said: "He took Basingstoke to his heart and nobody could have been prouder of this borough."

She described Mr Morris as a "warm and passionate and lovely man".

Friday's service was conducted by the curate of St Michael's - the Rev Lucy Thirtle - and featured anthems sung by the church choir augmented by representatives of Basingstoke Ladies' Choir and Basingstoke Choral Society.

After the service, the mourners joined Mr Morris' family in Church Cottage and a retiring collection was held in aid of St Michael's Hospice, where Mr Morris had received treatment during his illness and where he passed away.