HUNDREDS of people paid their respects to Alderman Mark Rae, Deputy Lord Baron’s Steward of Dunham Massey and former Provost of Altrincham.

His funeral took place at St Margaret’s Church, Dunham Massey, on Thursday and his coffin was draped with a specially designed flag, along with the floral shields of Altrincham Court Leet and the Knights Templar.

Among those present were members of the Knights Templar through which Mr Rae made friends around the world.

Freemen from Chester, and Hale, Merseyside, joined members of Altrincham Court Leet, who escorted his coffin into the church.

Among other dignitaries were Knights Templars from England and Wales, Freemen of England and Wales, the Altrincham Rotary Club and Altrincham Scouts.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Jerry Sutton, who compared Mr Rae’s life to the original Altrincham motto – pax et abundantia because he lived his life abundantly.

He described Mr Rae as a "community servant".

At Wellington Road Boys School, he played the euphonium in the school orchestra and later went on to found the Church Lads’ Brigade marching band.

Mr Sutton said Mr Rae made people feel special when he met them.

Mark’s niece, Emma Burns, spoke of him as a family man and said how he made them laugh. She said he was the life and soul of any party.

She also paid tribute to Layton, Mark’s partner for many years.

Alderman Denise Laver read the 23rd Psalm.

Sasha Manning’s solo, Pie Jesu received applause from the mourners.