PERSHORE Abbey overflowed as friends and family said their goodbyes to a "larger-than-life character" who was a "world-class ambassador" for Evesham.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of Peter Griffiths, who was a popular Worcestershire county councillor and Evesham town councillor representing Little Hampton.

The coffin of Cllr Griffiths, who died aged 69, was already positioned in the abbey before the service started to allow mourners to say their individual goodbyes while Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar played. 

Evesham Journal: Family and friends leaving Pershore Abbey after the funeral.Family and friends leaving Pershore Abbey after the funeral. (Image: John Clatworthy)The service, officiated by Revd Alma Organ, began with announcements, introductory sentences, and a prayer.

 Cllr Griffith's son James, gave a eulogy which was titled The Wonderful Life of Peter Griffiths - A Not So Short Story.

Hymns like Eternal Father, Strong To Save and Jerusalem also filled the air.

Evesham Journal: MISSED: Peter Griffiths.MISSED: Peter Griffiths. (Image: Worcestershire County Council)Councillor John Clatworthy, who had worked alongside Cllr Griffiths in the Little Hampton Ward, said: "There were around 250 to 300 people in Pershore Abbey which really shows how popular he was, not only from the town and county council but from the district. 

"You could see the broad spectrum of the lives he touched and the organisations he worked with.

Evesham Journal: Peter has been described as a 'larger than life character'. Peter has been described as a 'larger than life character'. (Image: John Clatworthy - Order of Service)"There were representations from all walks of life. 

"Peter was a great mentor to me, and whenever you needed help or advice, he was always there no matter how minor - he was brilliant.

"It was a superb funeral."

Cllr Griffiths has been described as a 'champion' for the town who, throughout the years, has directed funding for three additional defibrillators, placed benches in the high street and helped allow cafes and eateries to be established in Evesham.

Evesham Journal: Cllr Griffiths with family and friends. Cllr Griffiths with family and friends. (Image: John Clatworthy - Order of Service)He was first elected to represent the Evesham North West Division on the county council in May 2021 and has since served across several committees. 

He worked across the Audit and Governance Committee, Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Planning and Regulatory Committee.

He then joined Evesham Town Council in October last year.

Councillor Robert Raphael, chairman of Wychavon District Council and Evesham town councillor, said: "Peter was an excellent town and county councillor, world-class ambassador for Evesham and first-rate friend.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

"He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him."