Hundreds of mourners pack Welshpool church

Hundreds of mourners packed into Welshpool's St Mary's Church today for the funeral of father-of-three Tony Windsor as the town witnessed one of its biggest ever funerals.

A service for the 47 year old of Powis Arms Yard, Welshpool, who died on September 7, was held prior to committal at Emstrey Crematorium at 4pm today.

Tributes were paid by his best friend and best man Paul Roberts, colleagues from Powys County Council and an emotional tribute from his daughter Steph. A reading was also given on behalf of his wife Lin.

Family and friends from the area joined with Powys County Council colleagues and former work colleagues from Jaguar in Coventry to pack the ancient church as well as many from the sporting community where Tony made a name for himself as a midfield player with Waterloo, Meifod and Llansantffraid, before becoming a respected football coach.

He was also a member of the Mid Wales Everton Supporters Club and fellow members were present to hear him leave the church to the sounds of Everton's club song - the theme tune from Z-Cars.

Tony, the son of Clem and Pam Windsor of Brookfield Road, leaves his wife Lin and three children, Steph, Matthew and Chris.

Originally joining Montgomeryshire District Council over 20 years ago, Tony went on to become the ICT Business Systems Manager for Powys County Council.

The congregation heard Tony desribed as a born leader, exteremly talented and highly respected friend, colleague, father, son and husband.