HUNDREDS of schoolchildren braved atrocious weather conditions as they lined the route to St Bartholemew’s Church in Rainhill to say a last farewell to former council leader Mike Doyle, who died shortly after Christmas.

A requiem mass was held today at the church for Mike, a straight-talking former-Mayor of St Helens, JP and community champion.

Mike was chair of governors at Rainhill High until his death.

Mike’s wife Julia was supported by family members, the town’s two MPs Shaun Woodward and Dave Watts, plus councillors and local authority officers.

They were joined by current mayor Councillor John Beirne, Council Leader Brian Spencer and Labour Group leader Marie Rimmer, Mike’s close friend ever since the day they were both elected to the council chamber.

Many mourners listened to the service from outside as the church was soon overflowing with countless friends and colleagues who came to pay their last respects.

Before the funeral, tributes flowed at a special civic council meeting in St Helens Town Hall.

Cllr Rimmer, who was elected to St Helens Council at the same time as Mike in 1978, led the tributes. “Mike was proud of his Scouse roots. He attended St Edwards College later working at Plessey and English Electric.

“He later moved into training and was a staunch union member. He was a typical son of the 60s and loved the Cavern scene and he was a fabulous dancer.

“Just a year after being elected to Council he became Chair of Planning and later Economic Development and became Leader in 1997.

“He was also mayor in 1989 and deputy chair of the Regional Development Agency.

“It is a testament to Mike’s dedication that one week after having part of his leg amputated he accepted the post of Executive Member for Environmental Protection and, equipped with lap top, threw himself into the job as he did in his later role of Executive Member for Safer Communities.

“Mike was also passionate about education and was chair of a number of governing bodies.

"He was a parish councillor and a patient adviser giving talks to diabetic people as well as mentoring people who have been through the trauma of amputations.

“Rainhill was his passion and he made his mark wherever he went. No issue was too small or too big.

“Mike Doyle’s name will live on. He may have been born in Liverpool but he was the adopted son of St Helens.”

Council Leader Brian Spencer added: “I may not have been a councillor had Mike decided to fight the old Sutton and Bold seat.

“Instead he chose Rainhill which he served with dedication and passion. He left his mark wherever he went and no one will ever forget his name.

“We have crossed political swords often but any animosity was left in the council chamber and I respected him for that. I will miss him as a person and as a politican.”

Conservative Rainford Councillor Betty Lowe, said: “We have been adversaries over the years but there was always political respect.

"He was well respected and worked tirelessly for the people of Rainhill.

“I remember once at budget time, as the only Conservative member of the council I put forward an alternative budget flanked with photographs of John Major.

"Mike was furious but admitted that when he later recalled the incident he had many a laugh at it.

"Our sincere condolences to his wife Julia and the rest of his family.”

In an emotional eulogy, deputy leader, Councillor Suzanne Knight added:“A few years ago we lost one of our very dear colleagues, Cllr Kathleen Brown, who for those of you who didn’t know her was sister to the mayor.

"At her full council – before her funeral service, I read a passage I felt was very apt for Kath, for the way she had lived her life.

"Afterwards Mike told me he had found the words very moving – that a life must be deemed worthwhile, if someone could believe that of you at the end of it. I believe the words are a fitting tribute to Mike:

“That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;

Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;

Who has fulfilled his niche and accomplished his task;

Who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul;

Who never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it;

Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

His memory is a benediction.”