HUNDREDS of mourners attended a memorial service for Blackpool Council leader George Bancroft.

The funeral cortege set out from Blackpool Town Hall arriving at St John's Parish Church in the town centre just before 11.30am on Friday for the special service.

As it was borne into church, Coun Bancroft's coffin passed a Blackpool Trades Council banner, held respectfully by the church entrance in recognition of his long involvement with the trade union movement.

During the service several speakers paid tribute to Coun Bancroft, including his brother Brian who said: "It is great to see so many family and friends here today. We are so proud of his achievements."

Coun Bancroft had been selfless with his time and care, he said. "He could always be relied upon to do his best in any situation."

He mentioned Coun Bancroft's love of literature and music and said: "He shared his love of music by singing to us. He wanted us to be happy. He was a wonderful brother and a family man in every way."

Blackpool Mayor, Coun Sue Wright, told mourners that Coun Bancroft was a clever, brave, wise and funny man who would be missed by all his colleagues at the council. He enjoyed the cut and thrust of politics, she said. "His courage was about standing up for what he believed in, even if it was unpopular. He always had the ability to see the wider picture.

"I don't think George ever gave anything other than 100 per cent on anything he did. There will never be anyone like George Bancroft."

And she also talked of Mr Bancroft's writing talent. He had delighted his colleagues by writing humorous tales of council life, she said.

Coun Ivan Taylor told the congregation he and fellow Coun Roy Fisher had visited Mr Bancroft in hospital on the evening of June 29. "He was, of course, very poorly and could hardly speak," he said.

But nevertheless he had said: "What a way to run a railway" -- the former railway worker's favourite expression when dealing with a crisis, said Coun Taylor.

Following the service, Coun Bancroft's body was taken to Carleton Crematorium for a private family service.

George Bancroft was elected as the Labour Councillor for Brunswick Ward in 1987 and had previously served as a councillor for five years in the Oldham area in the early 1970s. He moved to Blackpool with his wife, Hilda, in 1979. After his retirement, he continued to take an interest in transport issues and was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in 1992 after being nominated for the award by British Rail.