HUNDREDS of people have paid their respects to a 'true Olympian' at the funeral of the late leader of South Lakeland District Council.

The funeral of Brendan Jameson, who died suddenly last week, took place in a packed Kendal Parish Church today (Friday).

Tributes to the 66-year-old were paid by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, acting council leader Hilary Stephenson, and his friend John Knipe.

Mr Farron told the congregation how he had been left 'shattered' by the death of his 'good friend' who he first met 13 years ago.

Mr Farron said: "We hit it off right away. Brendan was a winner who wanted to change things.

"He did so much for our community. To him, politics was just a process to help out his community."

Mr Farron said Mr Jameson, a former Kendal Grammar School pupil, had been instrumental in bringing the recently announced £350 million investment to GlaxoSmithKline, at Ulverston, a £2.75million grant for Kendal's Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon, affordable housing and improvements in recycling across the district.

This sentiment was echoed by Mrs Stephenson, who credited her former colleague with helping to ensure the Olympic torch will pass through Kendal later this year, as well as ensuring the Great North Swim, Kendal Mountain Film Festival, Mintfest and the Tour of Britain cycle race came to the area.

She said: "His ambition for South Lakeland knew no bounds and he saw only possibilities where lesser mortals saw barriers.

"He was proud beyond measure to be a Kendalian. He was a great bloke, a good mate, a loyal friend and a true Olympian."

SLDC chief executive Lawrence Conway also read out a tribute piece written by Mr Jameson's partner Julie Dawson.

Those who attended the service, which his family wanted to be a celebration of Mr Jameson's life, heard how the former K Shoes worker loved singing, and listened to two tracks he had recorded, Show Me Heaven, originally by Maria McKee, and If You Think You Know How To Love Me, originally by Smokie.

A private cremation for family and close friends took place at Lancaster and Morecambe Crematorium after the funeral.