HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend the funeral of Ferndown mayor Councillor Steve Lugg, which will take place on Friday, August 17.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the councillor, a "tireless campaigner" for his town, died of cancer at the age of 54 in July.

Cllr Lugg will have an official civic and military funeral, which is being organised by his family and his colleagues at the town council. Members of the Household Cavalry will flank the hearse, while a full civic procession attended by mayors from across Dorset will take place ahead of the service.

The funeral will take place at St Mary's Church in Church Road, Ferndown. Cllr Lugg's wife Cathy has encouraged as many people as possible to attend.

"The family have been overwhelmed and comforted by the messages of sympathy and support we have received since Steve passed away," she said.

"It represents the strength and kindness of Ferndown’s community, of which Steve was so proud."

Those who wish to attend the funeral are asked to arrive by 12noon. The service will begin at 1pm.

Mourners are asked to use nearby parking facilities as the church car park will only be available to disabled badge holders and the funeral cortege.

The service will also be broadcast in the church hall.

Church Road will be closed between Peter Grant Way and St Mary’s Church between 12.15pm and 12.30pm for the civic funeral procession. Road marshals will redirect traffic.

A reception will take place at the Royal British Legion after the service.

The family have asked mourners not to send flowers, but instead to make donations to Macmillan Caring Locally or the British Legion.

Cllr Lugg joined the Household Cavalry at 16, eventually leaving the Army when he turned 40. He served as a town councillor for a decade, and was also made chairman of the East Dorset District Council in 2015.

Those wishing to attend his funeral should contact the mayor's PA on 01202 892249. The dress code is formal.