Town mourns political veteran Sir Cyril Smith

Hundreds of mourners attended the celebration of his life in his home town of Rochdale. Sir Cyril, who used to weigh up to 29 stone, died the Friday before last at the age of 82.

The famously-outspoken politician, who served the town as MP for 20 years, planned the celebration in a nursing home during his final weeks.

His friend Lord Alton said he received a letter from Sir Cyril after his death telling him he must read the poem Death Is Nothing At All.

“He was a brilliant political organiser,” he told the congregation at Rochdale Town Hall, after reading the Canon Henry Scott Holland poem.

“He was a remarkable man, a wonderful man, a great friend and we shall all miss him greatly.”

Sir Cyril also chose five hymns for his service, including Abide With Me.

There was also the Frank Sinatra classic My Way, which was sung as the coffin was taken out of the room.

More than 400 people filled the town hall for the service, while hundreds more braved the rain to stand outside and listen to it being relayed through loudspeakers.

It was followed by a private committal at Rochdale Crematorium for close friends and family, including his brother Norman Smith.

Sir Cyril was knighted in 1988.

He served as the Liberal and later Liberal Democrat MP for Rochdale between 1972 and 1992.