"WE shall never see his like again," were the words taken from Midweek's editorial when the Rev Peter Viney paid tribute to former Free Press editor Arthur Church.

More than 100 family, friends and colleagues gathered on February 15, to pay their respects at the funeral service of Mr Church, who died aged 89, in the early hours of February 4.

The flag of the Royal Air Force Association High Wycombe branch was lowered by standard bearer Bob Smith as the coffin was carried into the chapel at Amersham Crematorium.

Mr Viney told those present: "It is a tribute to Arthur that there are so many here this afternoon to give thanks to his work and life."

He spoke of Mr Church's long career with the Free Press and his close association and support over many years of Wycombe Wanderers, the Royal British Legion, The Rotary Club of High Wycombe and the Wycombe almshouses.

Mr Viney said: "He was gentle and loving. His home and family meant so much and he was steadfast to the extreme. He loved Wycombe and he loved the people and his work," and he quoted directly from the editorial in the Midweek when he said: "We shall never see his like again."

Mr Viney read the lesson from St John's Gospel and the hymns chosen by the family were Great is My Faithfulness and Guide Me o Thou Great Redeemer.