TRIBUTES were paid to Cllr Roger Mace, of Nether Kellet, at his funeral at Lancaster Priory.

Lizzie Mace said her father had lived "an extraordinary life" and she spoke of his wisdom, counsel, guidance, kindness, loyalty, humility, honesty, integrity and compassion.

The former Lancaster mayor and Lancaster City Council leader died aged 75 on September 20 in St John's Hospice, Lancaster. The hospice is to benefit from donations made in his memory.

Tributes at the funeral were also led by Cllr Tim Hamilton-Cox, a colleague of Mr Mace, who said he stood out for his willingness to reach across party lines.

“Nowhere was his widely respected and incisive intellect more evident than in his mastery of the council's constitution,” said the city councillor.

He said that, as mayor, Mr Mace was the most knowledgeable and effective chairman of the council that anyone could remember. With his wife Joyce as mayoress, they were "wonderfully empathetic ambassadors" for the council and district.

Mr Hamilton-Cox said Mr Mace was the most consistent and effective champion of the city's museums. “But perhaps it is as ward councillor for Kellet that he will be held in the greatest respect,” he said, adding that Mr Mace proved conviction and compassion, collaboration and compromise could co-exist.

The funeral service was attended by the present mayor, Cllr David Whitaker, and city councillors. It was followed by burial at Carnforth Cemetery.