A church was “filled to capacity” as people gathered to say their goodbyes to a much-loved “gentleman” and former GP, who died aged 78.

Patrick Lacey, lived in the Maldon District for several decades, having moved to Market Hill, Maldon, in the 1970s and later to The Street, in Purleigh.

The former GP, who had a practice in Hockley, became deeply involved in local life, becoming the chairman of both the Maldon Society and the Maldon Museum and wrote several books about the history of the district.

He suffered a heart attack and died peacefully in St Richards Hospital, in Chichester, on July 7.

A memorial service was held at All Saints Church in Purleigh on July 23. 

See the MBS on Thursday for the full tribute.