Bradford Cathedral was filled with MP's, local politicians, family and friends of the city's former Leader, Ian Greenwood, who died recently following a short illness.
Mr Greenwood was only last year re-elected to Bradford Council representing Bolton & Undercliffe, having previously been leader of Bradford Council twice during a career spanning four decades and receiving an OBE for services to local Government in 2013.
A friend of Mr Greenwood’s for more than 40 years, former Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe described him as a “unique power force”.
He said: “Ian saw strengths and abilities in people that they didn’t think they had in themselves.
“He was a bear of a man, a teddy bear to his family, and a grizzly bear to bullies and those who deserved to have their heads intellectually ripped off.
Current Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe also paid tribute to a “hugely respected man” who “always looked for the good in people”.
She said: “Ian led this city through difficult times that would have left many people crushed.
“He worked not for himself, but for Bradford and its people. If people had Bradford’s best interests at heart he would always give them a chance.
“He loved Bradford and spoke about it with such pride, Bradford has lost one of its greatest friends and proudest sons.”
Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, picured right, said Mr Greenwood was “at his happiest serving the people of this district”, and he remembers him as “Mr Bradford, a friend, comrade and colleague”.
Other speakers at the service included Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Zulfi Karim, and Rodney Barton from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
The City of Bradford Brass Band also performed during the service, including a rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers.