MOURNERS from across the political divide gathered at St Martin's Church in Salisbury yesterday to pay their last respects to Councillor Simon Howarth, who died after a four-year battle with cancer.

Led by Salisbury Mayor Iris Evans, the congregation included several former city mayors, the current leader of Salisbury District Council Paul Sample and other councillors, Wiltshire Police Salisbury Sector Commander David McMullen, colleagues from the Salisbury School of English where Mr Howarth had taught and from Studio Theatre, which Mr Howarth had served as press officer.

Mr Howarth had planned his own funeral, opting for a simple wicker casket, and requesting that his father Frank and his friend and fellow councillor, Steve Fear, speak on his behalf.

Frank Howarth paid moving tribute to a son who he said had born his illness with stoicism and bravery.

He also praised his teenage grandsons, Tom and Fred, whom he said had been a tremendous support to their father during his illness.

He and his family, he said, had been comforted by the letters, cards and other comments that had poured in from all over the world where his son had made friends.

Mr Fear spoke of Mr Howarth's dedication to his constituents in his St Martin's and Milford Ward, of his meticulous research into any subject he tackled and his calm temperament.

He said that he had never known Mr Howarth to get angry or raise his voice.

"He was determined to make Salisbury a better place to live," he said.