MEMBERS of the community gathered to pay their last respects to a prominent Newquay councillor.

Councillors from across the political spectrum, residents, representatives from various organisations as well as family and friends attended Kevin Towill’s funeral held at St Michael’s Church on Tuesday, March 10.

Chief executive of Cornwall Council Kate Kennally and Newquay and St Austell MP Noah Law were among those in attendance.

Councillors James Mustoe and Connor Donnithorne read out tributes on behalf of the family. They both spoke about Mr Towill’s dedication working with colleagues over the years to help make Newquay and Cornwall a better place.

The funeral was followed by a committal at Penmount Crematorium in Truro.

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: “It has been a difficult day but lovely to see so many people come out to remember the late Cllr Kevin Towill, of course the youngest ex-Mayor in Newquay history.

“He was a committed and steadfast advocate for our town. Political leaders from across the spectrum were in attendance and I think that speaks volumes to the character of Kevin. May he rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to Diana, Kevin’s mum and his wider family.”

Mr Law added: “It was wonderful to see people from all walks of civic life in Cornwall come together to pay their respects to Kevin.”

Cllr Joanna Kenny said: “It was a lovely service and a full church. Many Cornwall councillors, both past and current, attended, right across the political spectrum.

“A mark of the respect and affection with which Kevin was held. A real loss to Newquay.”

Mr Towill, who represented Newquay Porth and Tretherras, became the first Reform UK councillor at Cornwall Council after defecting from the Conservative Party a year ago.

He died suddenly at the age of 46 after suffering from a brain tumour.

Donations were made to the Brain Tumour Research.