Mourners gathered in Barnet this week for the funeral of Alan Brown, a volunteer who dedicated his life to charity work in the borough.

Mr Brown, who lived in Hyde Close, Barnet, died on February 28 at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer.

He was well known in the borough for his work as a magistrate, as honorary treasurer of the Barnet Society, and as the founder of the Barnet branch of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP).

Following treatment for cancer three years ago, he also became a volunteer for cancer charities in the area.

Before his retirement, Mr Brown had worked as the chief welfare officer for the Post Office, and was later appointed MBE for his services to public life.

In June 2005, he was awarded the annual Vocational Award for Service to the Community by Barnet and East Barnet Rotary Club. He was immensely proud of the honour, telling friends in Barnet that it meant more to him than his MBE.

More than 100 people attended the service, held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Hadley Green Road, Monken Hadley. The lesson was read by Katrina Brown, one of Mr Brown's seven grandchildren, with tributes paid by his son Alan John Brown and his daughter Annette Georgiou.

Bill Ibbotson, chairman of RSVP Barnet, said: "We were terrific friends, we used to meet in the Spires shopping centre every Thursday for a coffee. It is a very sad time. He did a hell of a lot of good work in the community and his MBE recognised that work.

"The group that he started has grown and developed by following the principles that he laid down and now has more than 400 members helping in all sections of the community in Barnet."