Father-of-two Ian Ebbs died earlier this month after becoming trapped in machinery at Peterborough magazine publisher St Ives Web – a tragedy which is still being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.

The 43-year-old grew up in the city but lived in Morton, near Bourne, with his wife Jackie and teenage children, Matt and Zoe.

Relatives, friends and work colleagues – some wearing shorts as a tribute to Mr Ebbs's habit of never wearing long trousers in any weather – packed into a service at St John the Baptist Church in Cathedral Square, Peterborough city centre, as moving tributes were paid to the devoted family man who "lived for his wife and children".

Sixteen-year-old son Matt bravely read a eulogy to his father at the ceremony, with tributes also coming from brother Christopher, who shared Mr Ebbs's passion for motorcycles, as well as other relations and work colleagues.

His coffin was carried from the church to the sound of Chesney Hawkes's hit The One And Only, with football anthem You'll Never Walk Alone and Queen's You're My Best Friend played at a cremation service at Peterborough Crematorium afterwards.

His wake was held at Gaston restaurant and bar in Broadway, Peterborough.

Tributes from Ian Ebbs's family and friends left on PeterboroughToday.co.uk

OH, Ian. Where can I start? I have read so many wonderful comments about you and the number of people whose lives you touched in so many ways is overwhelming.

The best of it is that you really had no idea, because you were so modest – just working hard to provide a fantastic life for your family in the simple way only you knew how. No pretence, no airs or graces – just you. You had no idea, I'm sure, just how much you were my rock, my best friend and the other half of my whole. I know I will never ever be whole again without you and this is one very long dark road I must walk without you, but I must do it for the sake of our children.

We always knew we had some great friends around us, Ian, but never ever could you or I imagine we would need to call upon them to help in this way. And yet they have all been such a support to me and the children you just can't imagine. I am so grateful to them for that but I ache so much without you. The only thing I can do now is make sure an accident like this never happens again, to make things safe for your workmates (your mini-family) & to help Steve through his trauma in whatever way I can.

Dad said the other day that if tears could bring you back you would be swimming back to us now & how right he was. I can't accept that you have been taken from us yet, so for now you are away on your bike with your brother (best friends in France laughing so much in McDonald's that time that it hurt).

Until we meet again my darling. I will never ever stop loving you with all my heart. I just hope & pray you knew just how much that is.
WIFE JACKIE xxxx