Cllr Michael Clarke funeral: PICTURES

THE friends, family and former colleagues of borough councillor Michael Clarke said their last goodbyes to the popular and respected 78-year-old yesterday at his funeral.

More than 200 people packed into Whiston Parish Church yesterday for a service featuring bible readings, traditional hymns and personal tributes.

Hymns included Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer and a reading was given from 1 Corinthians.

Family friend James Smith also addressed the congregation during a service led by The Rector of Whiston Rev Neil Bowler.

Cllr Clarke, who represented Rotherham in the political arena for 37 years and was given the Freedom of the Borough last year, died almost two weeks ago aged 78 after a two-year battle with prostate cancer.

His widow, Sue, described him as “a wonderful man and lots of fun”.

The councillor, who represented the Sitwell ward, was given an ovation by a packed Council Chamber last year as he spoke of his battle against prostate cancer and joined fellow Tory Cllr John Turner in calling for blanket screening for the disease among men over 50.

Mrs Clarke asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to The Rotherham Hospice.