THE funeral was held this week of a popular ex-Mayor who died less than a week after being made an honorary alderman of the borough.

Reg Allen died from cancer on February 27 at the age of 67, and colleagues from Wyre Borough Council joined family and friends to pay their last respects at a packed Carleton Crematorium on Tuesday.

On February 23 Councillor Allen had been honoured at a special council meeting for his eminent services to the council on which he had served since May,1983, representing Fleetwood's Park ward. He was mayor of the borough during 1996-7.

Throughout the port he was known as a bus driver of 13 years standing and once "christened" the new flower beds at Poulton Civic Centre while attempting to reverse his bus in the mayor's parking space.

This was typical of a man whom fellow ward councillor Stanley Leadbetter says was well liked for his sense of humour.

"Reg was kind and generous and always helpful," he added. "Even when he was in hospital he was always laughing and joking. I couldn't imagine anyone disliking him. It's really difficult to believe he is no longer with us.

"Reg was one of the first people I met when I joined the Labour Party and found it quite a privilege to be picked to serve in the same ward as him."

Council leader Richard Anyon added: "Reg Allen was a wonderful man as well as a true and loyal friend in every sense. I feel extremely honoured and proud to have worked alongside him for the past ten years.

"A well respected and popular individual who displayed a great sense of humour, Reg was a real credit to us and will be sorely missed. Both the council and Fleetwood will be a much sadder place without him."

Reg leaves behind a wife, Nel, and daughter Kathleen.

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