THE funeral took place yesterday of one of Winchester's most remarkable characters, Bill Allchin, who has died aged 79.

Bill, who stood as the Labour candidate for Winchester in four general elections between 1974 to 1983, lived an amazing life.

He was an ex-POW who forged an unlikely friendship with Japanese war veterans in the years after the war. He also became an ardent peace campaigner.

A Quaker, Bill Allchin campaigned on numerous peace issues, including reconciliation with Japan. In an interview with the Daily Echo in 1995 he said: "We have to learn to solve problems as humans, without killing each other and the quicker we do it the better."

Dr Allchin spent three years working in prison camps on the River Kwai railway in Thailand where he was beaten by Japanese guards. City councillor Patrick Davies said: "Bill was a truly remarkable man who will long be remembered.

"In everything he did he wanted to make the world a kinder and more friendly place. He was a unique man whom left a deep impression on all those who knew him."

His funeral was in Bangor, Wales. A memorial meeting will be held at St Lawrence church, Winchester on March 27 at 3pm.