THE story of how a Carnforth railwayman's son became a top national politician has been celebrated by family, friends and colleagues.

Representatives from the Lancaster district were among a crowded congregation at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey for a service of thanksgiving for the life and work of Lord Cecil Parkinson of Carnforth, who died in January aged 84.

A former pupil of Christ Church CE Primary School, Carnforth and Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Cecil Parkinson was in Parliament for 45 years, first as MP and Cabinet Minister and then as a member of the House of Lords.

He was in the Falklands War Cabinet, served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and was chairman of the Conservative Party at the 1983 General Election.

Although a Conservative throughout his political career, he was treasurer of the local Labour League of Youth while at LRGS.

In a family tribute his eldest daughter Mary Parkinson said both Cecil and his sister Norma Dixon broke the mould by attending grammar school. Norma became head of Sandylands Primary School, Morecambe.

The North gave her father his first opportunity, being offered a place at Cambridge University aged 14.

Former Editor of the Daily Telegraph Charles Moore, paying tribute to Lord Parkinson's public and political life, said his wife of 59 years, Ann, was the making of Cecil.

With Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister, he was part of the “great adventure” in transforming Britain.

“He loved his country and had the rare privilege of helping to decisively change it for the better,” said Mr Moore.

“He brought out the greatness of a remarkable woman who made that change happen.”

Rector of St Margaret's the Ven Andrew Tremlett recalled Mrs Thatcher's verdict when she appointed Lord Parkinson as Conservative Party chairman: “Dynamic, full of common sense, a good accountant, an excellent presenter and on my wing of the party.”

Also taking part in the service were his middle daughter Emma Parkinson, Schools Minister Nick Gibb and former Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Norman Lamont.

Lancaster Royal Grammar School, of which Lord Parkinson was later a governor, was represented by headmaster Dr Chris Pyle and development director Jenny Cornell.

Proceeds of a collection were donated to Action on Addiction, of which Lord Parkinson was president.