Chippenham macebearer John Wade died suddenly after a suspected heart attack on Friday.

The Mayor of Chippenham, Coun Richard Meek, town council members and staff, will join family and friends at a funeral service in St Paul's Church on Monday at noon.

The historic role of macebearer required Mr Wade to walk in front of the mayor on civic occasions the mace was a symbolic weapon to be used in the mayor's defence if trouble arose.

Mr Wade took over the role three years ago, when the previous macebearer, his father Bill Wade, stepped down.

One of Mr Wade's proudest civic moments was carrying the mace when the Queen visited Chippenham last year. The mace has to be inverted in the presence of the sovereign.

"John had a good sense of humour and he was highly regarded by everyone," said town clerk Laurie Brown.

"He was very involved with the community, and his death is very sad. It was totally unexpected.

"Last week on Civic Sunday he was leading the procession to the church with town council members and our MP and by the following Friday he was no longer with us. It is a very sad day and he will be missed by many."

Chippenham Town Council will need a new macebearer within the next few weeks, in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Anyone interested in taking on the historic role should contact the town hall.