The funeral of Graeme Kidd at St Laurence's Church in Ludlow.

The chorister son of former Ludlow Mayor Graeme Kidd sang a vocal tribute to his father as hundreds of people from around the world gathered for his funeral.

Alasdair Kidd, head chorister at St Laurence’s Church, sang Pie Jesu Requim during yesterday’s funeral. Mr Kidd’s wife, Sally Newman-Kidd, also read a tribute to her husband, A Ship Sails.

There was also a musical tribute with a recording played of Ian Dury’s hit song Sex And Drugs And Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Donations were received for The League of Friends for Ludlow Hospital, The Town Walls’ Trust and St Laurence’s Church.

Mr Kidd, 52, died two weeks ago and an inquest will be held.

He was mayor of Ludlow for four consecutive years, between 2003 and 2007, and was also involved in a number of other organisations, including Cittaslow, Slow Food, Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival and Ludlow Chamber of Commerce.

During the service, Mr Kidd’s friend Peter Hartley, paid tribute to him and described him as a man who gave selflessly to Ludlow and was among the kindest people he had ever known.

Mr Hartley said Mr Kidd was a great servant to the town who had done his best to help people from all sections of the community, often at his own expense and to the detriment of his career.

The Reverend Brian Curnew, rector of St Laurence’s and who was also Mr Kidd’s chaplain during his years as mayor, said people would have many fond memories of the former civic leader.

He said on one occasion, Mr Kidd had welcomed skateboarders into St Laurence’s, during a campaign to build a skate park for youngsters in the town.

He gave of his time tirelessly and was also keen to help local groups and organisations.

The service was told that there had been hundreds of tributes paid to Mr Kidd from around the world, from as far afield as Perth, in Australia.

Mr Kidd was the president of Cittaslow UK and people paid tribute during the service to his links with the movement, which promotes stronger communities and sustainable living.

By Andy Richardson