A MEMORIAL service has been held for former Keighley MP Gary Waller.

Glowing tributes were paid during the event, at St Stephen with St John Church in Westminster.

Mr Waller – who died last summer, aged 72 – served as Keighley and Ilkley's Conservative MP from 1983 until 1997, when he was ousted by Labour's Ann Cryer.

Since 2011 he had been a district councillor in Epping Forest, representing the Lower Sheering ward.

And he was president of Harlow Conservative Association.

Around 100 people – including Mr Waller's son, sister, brother and nephews – attended the service.

Among those present was Keighley's Labour MP, John Grogan.

He said afterwards: "Gary had a rich and varied life.

"His family told me that amongst his papers were many references to the composer Mahler – Gary was president of the UK Mahler Society – but also many programmes from Keighley Cougars matches.

"He always retained a great affection for Keighley and was the first MP to represent both Keighley and Ilkley."

Tribute was paid during the service by Harlow MP, Robert Halfon.

"Gary was remarkable," he said.

"Not someone who sought the limelight, not a public figure who lusted for fame and too thoughtful to be misled by short-term populist opinion.

"His whole reason for being was to serve the public and his party.

"None of us will ever forget Gary."