George Brewin – who devoted a huge part of his life to public service – died of pneumonia at Peterborough District Hospital.

Mourners gathered at St Peter's church, in March, on Thursday to pay their respects to the man, who was also urban district, town and district councillor.

Mr Brewin's widow, Patsy, said: "He will be remembered for all the good works he did, and because he mixed with so many people. He treated everyone the same.

"People loved him and had a lot of respect for him."

George Woodhouse Brewin attended South District Infants, Burrowmoor Road and March Grammar schools.

After leaving school, he trained as an accountant but was called up at the age of 18 in 1942 and joined the Navy.

His first posting was to a former holiday camp in Skegness to begin his training as a telegraphist.

It was there during a bitterly cold winter he became ill with pneumonia and pleurisy, which damaged his lungs.

He had known Patsy for several years through their mutual interest in the Conservative Association when they married in 1961.

He took on the office of town mayor four times. He was also the mayor's consort when Patsy became mayor.

Many of Mr Brewin's ideas have developed into the town's traditions, including the Christmas light switch on.

After retirement, Mr Brewin, a mason, was involved in a host of organisations, including March Brass 2000 and the March branch of the Royal British Legion.