PEOPLE from all walks of life attended the funeral yesterday, of the former Honorary Recorder of Burnley, Judge Ian Webster.

High and Crown Court judges and other lawyers joined the judge's family and friends for the service at the packed Rochdale Parish Church, where he was once a chorister.

The welcome and introduction was given by Judge Webster's friend, Canon Alan Shackleton, former Vicar of Rochdale and Rural Dean, who told the congregation the judge had been given his first "big" chance when he had been appointed former MP Cyril Smith's school prefect.

The first lesson was read by Eric Taylor, LLM, while the second was given by barrister Guy Gozem, QC.

Judge Webster's grandaughter Elizabeth then read the poem Remember by Christina Rossetti.

The address was given by the judge's son Alistair Webster, QC, who described his father as remarkable, unique and a man of courage whose sense of humour never failed him.

Mr Webster, who sits as a Recorder in the courts, said the judge had an ability to put people at their ease and was always fun to be with. He said wherever he went people would always ask him "How's your dad?" and added after Judge Webster suffered a massive stroke after surgery several years ago, it was he who cheered the doctor up every morning!

Mr Webster said once, when he was sitting at Burnley Crown Court at the same time as his father, he was on his way to see him when he heard mysterious sounds coming from Judge Webster's chambers.

When he got there, he found his father, who had taken up clarinet playing, accompanying Mrs Martha May, who then ran the canteen, as she sang a Scottish ballad.

Mr Webster recalled his father's love of sport such as rugby and cricket and spoke of his bravery -- and some of his escapades -- in the cockpit as a young pilot in the Fleet Air Arm

He told the congregation tears had been shed since the judge's death at the age of 76 at the weekend, but there had also been laughter as people had recalled their stories of the judge.

Mr Webster said in court Judge Webster was always concerned in doing justice rather than merely administering the law. He went on ;"If people merited a chance he would give them a chance." Prayers were led by the Rev Dr David Foss, Vicar of Rochdale.

Judge Webster, also affectionately known as Webbie- and to criminals who liked to appear before him as Walk Out Webster- was appointed Honorary Recorder of Burnley in 1991 and retired in 1995, although he continued to sit part- time.

Born and bred in Rochdale where he still lived, he was called to the Bar in 1948 after attending Rochdale Boys' Grammar School and Manchester University.

Judge Webster leaves his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret, sons Alistair and Robin and his grandchildren.