HUNDREDS of mourners attended the funeral service of a lifeboat veteran.

Ronnie Latcham, 61, died of cancer at the weekend. He was a member of the crew of the Hartlepool lifeboat for more than 17 years, and continued as a helper after his retirement at the age of 55.

As a mark of respect for Mr Latcham, delivery of The Atlantic 75 Lifeboat to the RNLI's station at Hartlepool, planned for yesterday, was postponed until tomorrow.

The £75,000 needed to buy the vessel was raised through public donations in a campaign promoted by BBC Radio Cleveland.

Mr Latcham's funeral service at St Hilda's Church on the Headland, Hartlepool, was attended by crew members from the lifeboat station, colleagues from the town's fire station, family and friends.

On Monday, flags at 15 fire stations in the area were flown at half mast in tribute to Mr Latcham, who was also one of Britain's longest-serving firefighters.

Mr Latcham, who lived in Wynnstay Gardens, Hartlepool, worked in both fire prevention and planning. He retired from Cleveland Fire Brigade last year - five years after most people leave the service.

Station officer George Crooks, a former colleague said: "Hundreds of people were at the funeral service.

"Mr Latcham was given a guard of honour. All principal officers were in attendance and administrative district officer Jeff Dale was the commanding officer at the parade."

Mr Latcham leaves a widow, Tess, and two daughters.