Friends, relatives and colleagues packed into St Cuthbert's Church, Lytham, to pay tribute to one of the Fylde's best and best loved journalists.

More than 250 mourners gathered yesterday (Wednesday) to pay tribute to Bob Gray, former editor of the Citizen, who died at the age of 64 last week.

The service was led by The Revd Canon Godfrey I Hirst, who recalled his first meeting with Bob on an aeroplane, heading to the Paris Air Show.

"It was quite a comfortable journey until we hit an area of very heavy turbulence. Bob turned to me and he said 'You're nearer headquarters - now you're up here would you mind putting a word in for us?

"I'm sure he is already engaging in some very interesting conversations and sharing anecdotes in heavenly places."

Older son Richard, 15, spoke on behalf of his mother, Karen, Bob's second wife who he married in 2000, and his younger brother, Robert, 11. He paid tribute to Bob's ability to bring happiness to the lives of others.

"He was a very special man and will remain in all our hearts for a very, very long time."

Geoff Kuhillow, a friend and fellow journalist who met Bob in 1967 while working for the Daily Mirror paid tribute to a 'master craftsmen: "He was a brilliant, brilliant sub editor. He would have subbed out one of the 'brilliants' as he would have considered using the word twice to be superfluous.

Singer and family friend, Amy Rome, sang 'Wind Beneath My Wings' and Amigos Para Siempre was performed by Blackpool Operatic Players.