More than 400 friends and colleagues have paid tribute to councillor and ex-teacher Duncan Bamford at his funeral, which was held yesterday.

Mr Bamford died after he collapsed while playing football.

He had been a member of North Wiltshire District Council for more than 10 years and a teacher at Purton's Bradon Forest Secondary School since 1968.

The school's head teacher Chris Montacute paid tribute to his former colleague who taught modern languages, music, physical education and was also a careers advisor.

He said: "The best way to sum him up is to say that he worked tirelessly for the school."

Mr Bamford was also a leading member of the district council, serving on the executive committee, with responsibilities for youth, leisure and health.

The leader of NWDC and a fellow Liberal Democrat, Coun David Packham, said: "I will miss him terribly, as will all the other members of the council.

"He had a very wry sense of humour and a very calming effect which he always seemed to use just at the right moment."

The 56-year-old, whose funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Purton, leaves a widow, Jean, and children Tracy and Gary.