THE funeral will be held this week of Swindon's most celebrated native American.

It was the dream of Jeff Starr to set up an Indian reservation in Swindon.

But his plans were scuppered by bureaucracy.

Former bus driver Jeff also known as Geoffrey Gleed, Spotted Eagle Chips died at Great Western Hospital on February 7 after a short illness.

The 66-year-old's funeral will be held at Kingsdown Crematorium on Friday at 3pm.

Jeff, who followed the Sioux way of life, will be remembered in Swindon as a local celebrity who campaigned for years to get an American Indian reserve built at Coate Water.

Jeff, who lived at Heywood Close, Penhill, but lived most recently in Salisbury Street, hoped to set up a cultural and craft centre at Coate Water Country Park.

But the plans never came to fruition as he could not find a sponsor for the attraction.

A later attempt in 1997 to locate three teepees at the park also failed.

He then looked to the Plymouth area to fulfil his dream.

Councillor David Glaholm (Lab, Penhill) said: "I have known Jeff for many years. He really was a star himself.

"He tried very hard to get the council to set up a reservation in the town so he could teach children about his culture.

"But no matter how the bureaucrats stopped it happening he never gave up on his dream.

"He was a gentleman and his death will have sent shockwaves throughout the community. He will be sadly missed."

Jeff was also known for raising money for charity through putting on Red Indian shows and sponsored walks.

In May 1998, Jeff and his family joined showbiz personalities to raise money to grant wishes for terminally-ill children. Jeff joined Gladiator Cobra and boy band Five at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation in front of an audience of thousands.