THE Somerset County Gazette is introducing a new feature whereby we are inviting readers to submit obituaries and tributes to loved-ones which we will publish free of charge.

For guidance, when submitting an obit or tribute piece we would ask readers to include the title and full name of the deceased; the date and place of their birth; town or village where they lived; the date of their death and the date and place of their funeral. Please also include details of their next of kin, employment history, interests and your name, address and a daytime telephone number.

Due to limited space, we would ask that you submit a maximum of 450 words together with a photograph which needs to be sent as a jpg attachment, 300 dpi minimum.

Please email the tribute and photograph to sarah.hyde@nqsw.co.uk or jonathan.millar@nqsw.co.uk.

Alternatively, a form can be completed online at somersetcountygazette.co.uk/announcements/obits/.

You can also send a tribute and photograph by post. Please address the envelope to Tributes, Somerset County Gazette, St James’ Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JR.

Please see sample tribute piece below for guidance.

THE funeral has taken place of Jack Hawthorne who died at his home in Taunton on Thursday, April 14, aged 86.

Jack was born and bred in Taunton and lived in the Staplegrove area for much of his life. He attended school locally and at 16 joined the Army, serving all over the world.

It was while he was in Singapore he met his wife, Brigid, who was a nurse in the Queen Alexandra Corps. They married in Kuala Lumpur and lived in Germany and Cyprus before settling back in Taunton with their four children, Peter, Alan, Mary and Denise.

Jack attained the rank of Major before leaving the Army to take up administration work for Exeter University, a role which he thoroughly enjoyed.

In his spare time and following his retirement, Jack involved himself in community events and his administrative skills were put to good use in helping local charity fund-raising events.

A family man, Jack spent as much time as he could with his children and nine grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his infectious giggle and ability to see the best in everyone.

He leaves his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers Kenneth and William and sister Pat.

The funeral was held at Taunton Crematorium with donations in lieu of flowers for the RNLI.