Ken Ashton, 100, who was Wootton Bassett's first elected mayor when the title was restored in 1974, was remembered by a large congregation, including the present mayor and other civic representatives, at his funeral in St Bartholomew's Church, Royal Wootton Bassett.

The hymn I Vow to Thee My Country was played as the flag-draped coffin, with Royal British Legion escort. entered the church.

During the Second World War Mr Ashton attained the rank of major, with service in Scotland, Iceland, Egypt, Malta and Germany.

Family tributes reflected his loving, caring, supportive nature and happy holidays, camping all over Europe.

As a keen swimmer, who had saved two lives, Mr Ashton taught all his children to swim; he enjoyed various sports and accompanied his sons on sailing and scrambling expeditions.

During a long, active life he rode in point to point races, held a licence for steeplechasing, played rugby and cricket and enjoyed shooting. He loved gardening, and he and his wife Naomi created a lovely garden at their home.

He made a notable contribution to local government as a councillor and mayor, and was a founder member of Wootton Bassett Civic Trust, a former governor of Longleaze School, a member of Rotary and Probus, and a Freemason for over 60 years.

After leaving the Army, he worked as sales representative for an agricultural feed firm and later was office manager at a factory in Sutton Benger.

During a long retirement, he was involved in voluntary work, delivered meals on wheels and organised fund-raising for repairs to the church and other causes.

The Rev Canon Thomas Woodhouse, who led the service, conveyed a message from a former vicar, Canon Bede Cooper.

Latterly, as a member of Lorna Doone Day Centre and a resident of Ridgeway House care home in Royal Wootton Bassett, Mr Ashton was always the perfect gentleman.

The many guests at his 100th birthday party in August were impressed by his speech of appreciation for a long, fulfilled life and for the blessings of family and friends.

Canon Woodhouse told the youngest members of the family: "He had great energy and enthusiasm, and that is his legacy to you. Ken gave this town so much; now we give him back to God, firm in the knowledge that he has done well."

Jerusalem was played as the cortege, accompanied by Mr Ashton's family, left for Kingsdown crematorium with a reception at the Angel Hotel after the service.

Memorial cheques for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.