Loved ones lined the street to say their final goodbyes to their ever-popular and adored husband, dad, granddad and friend, Joe Holliday.

The funeral for the long-serving councillor and former Mayor of Allerdale was held at Church of Our Lady and St Michael, Workington, yesterday, with dear friends and neighbours watching on as councillors formed a guard of honour.

As the service began at 12pm, memories of Joe were shared, covering everything from his schooldays where he spent his time swimming for the county, to his beautiful relationship with his adored wife, Dorothy.

The “lifelong sweethearts of 60 years” were devoted to one another from the day they met at Flimby carnival, marrying on November 27, 1965, and seeing their daughter, Patricia, born nine months later.

Among so many other achievements, including his role in the Highways department at Cumberland County Council, his time as a governor at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Derwent Vale, Lakes College and more, and being elected on to Cumbria County Council in 2001, one of Joe’s proudest moments was meeting the Queen.

He told family and friends, he “never thought a Workington lad would ever get to meet the Queen, and another five members of the royal family in one year”.

Joe, a proud fan of Elvis and Workington Town, was also honoured to be a part of the Church.

After waiting outside Sunday night mass week-in, week-out while Dorothy attended the service, Joe himself felt drawn to the faith, and decided to be baptised and confirmed as a Catholic.

Since then, Dorothy and Patricia have both always said Joe was a better Catholic than the two of them put together – a proud and touching joke that they share.

But the “icing on the cake” of his impressive career was becoming Mayor of Allerdale in 2011 – raising more than £16,000 in his one year in the role.

Canon John Watson, who led the service, said: “Joe knew who he was. He had a sense of who he was without being arrogant or proud.

“Why was he here? He knew that too – to accomplish the good he could, for as long as he could, for as many people as he could.

“The list is endless of the things Joe has done over the years, but this would never change him as a person, and he would still always say that his family was his biggest achievement – his pride and joy.”

Tributes were also paid from Joe’s proud family members, Kimberley and Louise

“Joe Holliday leaves behind a great legacy,” Kimberley said.

“To those that met Joe, he was a devoted councillor, school governor and loyal Town supporter.

“To us, he was a husband, a father, a father-in-law, and a granda – one who will always be remembered.”

She continued: “Joe was a quiet man, but when he spoke, what he had to say was priceless.

“He had an infectious laugh, and when he found something really funny, his whole body would shake and tears would stream down his face.

“Joe was a generous and loving man, who acted selflessly to provide for his family.

“If you had a problem, no matter how big or small, Joe was the man to turn to. He was someone you could always, truly rely on.”

Louise read a poem written in his memory, which said: “While we’re all so proud of what you’ve achieved, that’s not what we’ll most treasure – it’s the chats, the laughs and the smiles, and a couple of John Smiths for good measure.

“You’ll be close in our hearts and memories until we’re blessed to meet again, so enjoy a pint while you’re waiting up there, and I’ll see you one day, dear friend.”

The heartfelt service was flooded with music, tears and smiles as Joe was lovingly remembered by all, and was followed by a burial at Salterbeck Cemetery, which was attended solely by his closest family.

The "very much loved and special dad and granda" leaves behind his devoted wife and daughter, son-in-law Andrew, grandchildren Richard, Matthew and Jamie, and their partners Louise, Kimberley and Chloe.