Over a thousand people attended St Michael’s Church in Aberystwyth on Saturday for a funeral to pay tribute to Cllr Paul James, tragically killed in a crash while on his bike training for a charity cycle ride.

The church was full and hundreds stood outside for the service to the much-loved and hard-working 61-year-old father-of four, who was a county councillor, a university security officer, a Penglais School governer, a member of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority and a former paratrooper in the British Army and member of the French Foreign Legion.

Paul’s wife, Jane, his four children – Brett, Bryony, Cameron and Rhodri – his mother Vanod, and his sisters Susan and Karen led the family mourners.

Attendees included family and friends, nearly 30 comrades from the French Foreign Legion – who sang their regimental song, ‘La Legion Marche Vers La Front’ – local MP Ben Lake, AM Elin Jones, the Welsh broadcaster Roy Noble, fellow county councillors, fellow Llanbadarn Fawr community councillors, Aberystwyth University vice-chancellor Elizabeth Treasure, workmates, Bronglais cardiologist Dr Donogh McKeogh, leading members of the fire brigade, and army comrades.

The service was led by Canon Andrew Loat of St Padarn’s Church, Llanbadarn.

There were poignant and loving eulogies by Paul’s three sons, who spoke of their happy childhood and the life lessons from their dad, including being generous and kind to others.

An emotional eulogy from Paul’s lifelong friend Paul Thomas told of their Penparcau upbringing and a history shared.

Moving tributes were made by AM Elin; comrades John Duckmanton and Dave Cooper; and by Gary Pemberthy, who had agreed to help Paul with his charity ride to raise money for Bronglais and Morriston hospitals’ cardiac units, where Paul had received treatment, and who is now continuing with the organisation of the ride on 25 and 26 May in his memory.

Following the service, memories of Paul were shared at Aberystwyth Rugby Club.