300 turn out for former Walsall Mayor's funeral
More than 300 people turned out to pay their respects at the funeral of former councillor and Mayor of Walsall Bill Madeley MBE.
The long-serving Darlaston councillor died earlier this month aged 82 after a battle with liver cancer.
His funeral was held at Emmanuel Church in Cairn Road, Bentley in Walsall yesterday and was attended by family, friends and council representatives.
Councillor Doug James, who represents Darlaston North. said: "It was a fitting send off for Bill, who did such a lot for Darlaston.
"There were some beautiful, emotive and educational speeches shared with a crowd of around 300 people.
"I think the people of Darlaston should know that even though Bill is no longer physically with us, his work and love for the town will live on."
Mr Madeley was first elected as a Labour councillor in May 13, 1971 to represent the Bentley ward, which later became Bentley and Darlaston North.
He went on to become mayor in 1988, deputy leader of the council in 1997 and then took on the role of leader of the council from January to May 1999
He was awarded his MBE in 2006 and was admitted as Honorary Freemen of the Borough back in 2010.
