The parish church of St Peter's, Brighton, was packed for the funeral of Stan Fitch, 83, the honorary alderman who served as a councillor for nearly 30 years.

The father of four leaves eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Mayor Francis Tonks spoke of Mr Fitch as a man he had known for 40 years both as a councillor and as a family man.

He said: "The Fitches were always a family that were close. They pulled together and supported each other whatever difficulties there might be."

He described Mr Fitch as a man who was practical, straightforward, loyal, dependable and down to earth, adding: "Stan knew what people wanted because he was a man of the people."

Mr Fitch's son, Coun Brian Fitch, called for the funeral to be a celebration of his father's life, rather than a sad day, adding that he would live on through his family.

Coun Fitch said: "He was a man who made a major contribution to Brighton life but, more importantly, he led and brought cohesion to our family life."

Reginald Fitch, JP, told the congregation his brother had been a man who gave unstintingly of his time to help others.

Mr Fitch joined Brighton Council in 1957 and served until 1985. He also served on East Sussex County Council for many years.

His main interest was housing and he formed the Bevendean Self-Build Association. He also built his own bungalow in Heath Hill Avenue.

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