Representatives from all walks of life turned up to pay tribute to “a great servant to the people of Shropshire”.

The funeral of former Shropshire County Council chairman and deputy lieutenant George Raxster was held at St George’s Church in Telford yesterday, where family and friends honoured Mr Raxster’s contribution to the county in their own special way.

Mourners at the service were led by Mr Raxster’s son Jonathan and family.  

There was also a tribute from his granddaughter Anastasia in Australia, but his wife Vera was feeling too frail to attend.

Lord Lieutenant Algernon Heber-Percy read a lesson and Councillor Brian Gillow, council chairman, recalled Mr Raxster’s life in public service.

David Wright, Labour MP for Telford, added his tribute as did Kathy James, St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council clerk.

Judge Michael Mander, a member of the Magic Circle, also paid a moving tribute to his friend of 40 years.

He ended with a paper-cutting trick which apparently George had enjoyed seeing him perform.

Judge Mander said: “This one is for George, he always used to love to see new tricks. Perhaps he’s watching and for the first time will see how this one works.”

Final word was from his daughter-in-law Sheena who read a poem written by a pupil when George retired from teaching. It was called Goodbye Mr Raxster!

Mr Raxster, who died at 77, served as county councillor for Priorslee from 1985 to 1998 and was chairman of Shropshire County Council from 1993 to 1998.

He was a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire and a former chairman of West Mercia Police Authority.

In 1998, he was made an OBE for services to local government and to the community in Shropshire.

He taught for more than 30 years and was chairman of the county’s education committee. His governorships included Telford College of Arts and Technology, New College in Wellington, St Georges Primary School and Teagues Bridge Junior School.

He made many friends through his various roles and tributes have previously been paid to “a great servant to the people of Shropshire”.

By Shirley Tart