A BRASS band played as Eastleigh said farewell at St Mary's Church, Bishopstoke, to the town's long-serving carnival secretary Barry Alford.

It was standing room only as a wide cross-section of local people, led by the Mayor and Mayoress Councillor and Mrs Peter Wall, paid their final tributes to Mr Alford, who was 52.

His widow, Penny, had walked ahead of the horse-drawn glass carriage, bearing the coffin, as it made the journey alongside the picturesque riverside to the 115-year-old parish church.

Mr Alford was so devoted to the carnival that before he lost his brave battle against cancer he asked Penny, who is the carnival chairman, and the family to promise that they would carry on the carnival, which is next month.

Bishopstoke Rector, the Rev Derek Cottrill, said: "The carnival was his top priority."

It was two years ago on the eve of the carnival that Mr Alford received the devastating news that he had cancer.

His brave response was to carry on as the driving force behind the carnival week events.

Mr Cottrill said: "He gave outstanding service to the town, especially his work with Eastleigh carnival."

He had been carnival secretary for 18 years and it led to him being presented with a Citizen of Honour Award.

There were also tributes from former carnival chairman Colin Hearn, who spoke of Mr Alford's courage, determination and dedication. He added: "He was a true gentleman and friend."

Eastleigh Town Band played as one of Eastleigh's most popular sons began his final journey to Southampton Crematorium.

But before it left the funeral cortege passed through the town centre along the carnival route.