THE chapel at Bournemouth Crematorium was packed with mourners, yesterday (Aug 20), for the funeral of former town mayor Jim Courtney.
Jim, who served as a firefighter with Dorset's fire brigade for 30 years, passed away earlier this month aged 85.
Civic dignitaries, representatives from Dorset &Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service - and indeed a fire engine - were all present for yesterday morning's poignant service.
Conducted by the Reverend Janice Seare, the service included tributes, readings and prayers.
In the fire service Jim tackled huge heath blazes during the summer of 1976, and at Bournemouth Council he became the first mayor of the new millennium.
He retired as a divisional office in the fire service in 1986, and was elected as a Conservative councillor for Muscliff the following year.
Following the service mourners packed the Woodpecker Cafe, Queen's Park Pavilion, for light refreshments.
Donations in memoriam can be made to Bournemouth War Memorial Homes, online at millerbrosfunerals.co.uk.
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