The man known as Mr Malmesbury, former Mayor John Bowen, was remembered by hundreds of people who packed Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday.

Mr Bowen, a former dress maker and artist, collapsed and died on July 8 at the age of 61 while out walking at the Birdlip Hill beauty spot.

A flamboyant character known for his artistic flair and penchant for the bright and colourful, Mr Bowen’s family had asked for mourners to wear clothing which matched Mr Bowen’s personality or clothes he had made himself.

His son Will Bowen, 27, was pleased to see so many people eschewing more traditional funeral attire.

He said: “It was a great service and lovely to see so many people wearing bright colours and silly hats.

“There was one woman who wore a wedding dress and another one came in a fancy Victorian costume.

“It was a really nice memorial, a real celebration of his life.

“We tried to keep it upbeat and it was a happy reflection of who he was.”

The service, led by Abbey Associate Minister Mike Noah, was attended by townspeople and others from across the country.

Mr Bowen said: “The councillors made a procession from the Town Hall to the Abbey.

“The mace bearer was there and the councillors all dressed up. Dad would have liked the pomp and ceremony.

“There was also quite a few people who had gone to Malmesbruy Grammar School with him and came from across the country.

“There were more people than we were expecting but everyone got some tea and cake afterwards so it was ok.”

Eulogies were given by Deputy Mayor Patrick Goldstone and Andrew Dickinson, the minister of King’s Church, where Mr Bowen was a regular worshipper.

Singer Ollie Baines, member of classical vocal quartet Blake, sang Libera Me from Faure’s Requiem at the service and said afterwards: “It was a song that John had heard me sing when I was in Winchester Cathedral choir and he had borrowed the recording of that song since.

“He was very supportive of my singing career and was a close personal friend. He made my sister-in-law’s wedding dress and most of my own clothing.”

Fellow town councillor Ray Sanderson said: “It was a very moving service and a very fitting tribute to him.”