HUNDREDS of mourners packed in to a Fenland church to pay tribute to a farmer who was found drowned in a drain near his home. St Edmund s Church in Emneth was today (Tue) filled with friends and family, many standing, who had gone to say their final goodb

HUNDREDS of mourners packed in to a Fenland church to pay tribute to a farmer who was found drowned in a drain near his home.

St Edmund's Church in Emneth was today (Tue) filled with friends and family, many standing, who had gone to say their final goodbye to Richard Herbert, 50.

The moving service paid tribute to the father of three who was described as warm-spirited and a devoted family man who loved the countryside.

A eulogy was read by family friend Paul Coulten, who told the packed the church that Mr Herbert "Had a life-long love of the countryside and loved nothing more than walking his dogs along the lanes."

Mr Coulten said Mr Herbert was most content when at home in Marshland St James and with his family, and that he loved attending to his garden and the family farm.

He was a devoted father to his three daughters Victoria, Isabelle and Grace and loving husband to wife Juliet.

Mr Coulten said Mr Herbert had a cheeky smile, always a wave and was warm spirited.

A poem entitled Lift up Your Heart was read by Jo Herbert, and the hymns included 'Peace Perfect Peace' 'Morning has broken' and in fitting tribute to Mr Herbert's love of farming 'Praise God for the Harvest'.

Rev'd Dawn Mason, who led the service, said: "He was a loving caring husband, brother and father and he had laid good foundation of love for his daughters and that's a gift for their future."

A poem which was printed on the order of service, entitled 'Remember me' said: "In earthly things I shall be found, a falling leaf, a growing tree, In every breeze you will feel me. I walk in life; death holds no pain. Be assured, we'll meet again."

A message from the family added: "Juliet and the family would like you to know how much they appreciate your presence here today."

The service at the church was followed by a private burial.

Donations in memory of Mr Herbert were in aid of the charity Mind, the family of Mr Herbert wore pastel colours and not black.

Friends and family had said Mr Herbert was worried by a letter threatening him with legal action over plans to build a wind farm on his land at Marshland St James, near Wisbech.

Plans for the development were scaled down from 26, turbines to a lesser number after half of the 14 original members of the consortium hoping to build it, backed down for what were cited as 'personal reasons',

A 300ft test mast put up to check wind speeds in the area, was recently felled.

Mr Herbert's family and fellow members of the Marshland St James Wind Farm Consortium say they intend to press ahead with the scheme.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and an inquest into his death has been open and adjourned by the coroner.