FRIENDS and relatives turned out in force to say goodbye to former fireman and councillor Brian Langworthy who served Dartmouth as the museum's curator for more than a decade before his shock death last month.

There was standing room only in St Petrox Church on Wednesday for the celebration of Mr Langworthy's life as friends and relatives spoke about his contribution to the town.

Firefighters turned out in uniform to honour the 71-year-old Old Dartmothian who served as a fireman for 25 years.

Bell ringers from across the area rang the church bells before and after the service and members of the Dartmouth WI handbell ringers team – who Mr Langworthy had coached – ran out as his ashes were taken to be buried in the St Petrox garden of remembrance.

Mr Langworthy, who also had links with the town rugby and rowing clubs, fell ill suddenly last month and was rushed to Torbay Hospital where he lapsed into a coma and died.

Richard Rendle, a boyhood friend of Mr Langworthy who paid tribute to him at the service, said: 'There were an awful lot of people there to say goodbye.'