CINDERFORD came to a standstill as hundreds turned out to say goodbye to a man said to be the most respected local politician in a generation.

Mayor Max Coborn led a civic procession to the Triangle for Frank Beard's funeral service.

In line with his dying wish, mourners gathered under the canopy and lined the pavements for a moving open air service to celebrate the life of Mr Cinderford.

Fellow councillor Graham Morgan led the tributes by saying: "It is with a very heavy heart that we gather here today to say goodbye to this town's greatest ever councillor and first ever Mayor."

He recalled Last of the Summer Wine cross country walks to the pubs in Newnham and the time Frank set off for France on a motorbike but never made it further than the Red Hart at Blaisdon.

Coun Morgan read personal tributes from each of Frank's four children, Louise, Scott, Kelly and Jane.

Chairman of the district council and friend Norman Stephens said: "Frank was probably the most respected and well-liked councillor in the Forest of Dean for the last 50 years."