ALMOST 600 people trooped into St Peter’s Church, Wisbech, today to honour the memory of Councillor Roger Green, a former Mayor, former football club chairman and former local newspaper editor.

In a simple but moving service the vicar, Father Paul West, described Cllr Green as very special to Wisbech.

“There was only one Roger Green,” he said. “I just wish there was 100 Roger Green’s - what a wonderful man”.

He said that Cllr Green, killed last month in an accident on the A47 Wisbech by pass, had contributed enormously over many years to the town and in a diversity of ways.

Father West described Cllr Green’s longevity as a journalist, his devotion to his family, his wide range of civic duties and the �80,000 he had helped to raise during a four year stint as chairman of a Macmillan Cancer campaign committee in the town.

Clive Frusher, a journalist who worked for the Wisbech Standard during Roger’s time as editor, described his former boss as “a great encourager.”

Mr Frusher said Roger was “kindly, thoughtful and important to us all. He was a true gentleman of the press.”

From Wisbech Town Football John Petch stepped forward to talk of Roger’s love and passion for football that included playing football as a youth in Whittlesey to scouting for Reading whilst in his 70s.

He spoke of Roger’s involvement with the club which spread over several decades and included a stint as chairman, press officer, and twice as company secretary before remaining as a vice president.

Of his public duties these were summed up by Fenland Council Leader Alan Melton who described his former planning committee chairman as a “good friend and superb colleague.”

He praised Roger’s enthusiasm for the town and particularly for his long held wish for Wisbech Market Place to revert back to the town council – a dream just about to become a reality before Roger died.

The fourth aspect of his life was summed up by Barbara Elsey who regaled the congregation with a portrait of Roger’s family life and of the warmth and generosity he displayed.

Cllr Green, who was 77, leaves a widow Margaret, one surviving daughter Karen, a step daughter Samantha and grandchildren Scott and Cheri.

Cremation followed the service at Fenland Crematorium, March: guests later took tea at Wisbech Football Club.