THE arrangements for the funeral of former Taunton Mayor John Meikle have been announced.

Mr Meikle's funeral takes place at Staplegrove Church at noon on Friday (November 13).

Attendance is limited to 30 people due to Covid-19 restrictions, with his family, the current Mayor and representatives of organisations close to his heart among those scheduled to be present.

The service will be relayed to people outside.

Before the funeral service, Mr Meikle's hearse will stop outside the family firm of Hickleys to allow staff to pay their respects.

Mr Meikle, who was 97 at the time of his death last Wednesday, served as a district councillor for 58 years after he was first elected to represent Wilton in 1958.

He became Mayor of Taunton in 1967 and was leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council from 1974 to 1991.

Mr Meikle’s remarkable dedication was recognised in 1988 when he was made an MBE for services to local government.

In 2004 he was also given the rare honour of being made a Freeman of the Borough of Taunton Deane.

Somerset West and Taunton Council leader Cllr Federica Smith- Roberts said: "John Meikle was a true gentleman and was universally respected for his wisdom and his unparalleled contribution to public life.

"His dedication to the community he served and the legacy he has left across the wider area has been immense.

"It was fitting that his tremendous achievements during over 50 years of public service were recognised when John Meikle was made a Freeman of the Borough - an honour granted to only a handful of recipients.

"His passing will be a huge loss to his family and the community that he loved to serve."