TRIBUTES were paid to an 'engaging, energetic and popular' former Hereford MP at a memorial service last week.

Paul Keetch, a Lib Dem MP for Hereford from 1997 to 2010, died aged 56 in May this year.

Many people from across the county turned out to pay their respects to Mr Keetch at a service to celebrate his life at Hereford Cathedral last Friday.

Fond childhood memories were recalled by Mr Keetch's brother, John. He told those who attended the service that his sibling, the youngest of five children, was born and raised in Hereford and that representing his community at Westminster was a great honour.

He was 'humbled, proud and privileged to represent the county', he said.

Meanwhile, Claire Keetch joked that her ex-husband would have loved to be there – in front of a 'large audience and an event where he is the centre of attention'.

She said he had held onto a dream from the age of 13 to be an MP and it wasn't an easy process, with 'hours and hours' spent on the campaign trail.

But when he was elected by his beloved Hereford in 1997, it was a 'moment of a lifetime' and his dream had come true.

He subsequently defended the seat twice in 2001 and 2005, before standing down prior to the 2010 election.

Mr Keetch's son, William, read the poem God Looked Around His Garden by Wendy Bradley and the hymns Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Eternal Father, Strong to Save and Jerusalem were sung.

The poem Sea Fever by John Masefield was also read by Ross McBennett and prayers were said by the Dean of Hereford, Prebendary Jane Davies and Prebendary Rob North.

A traditional Irish blessing was read by Sir Simon Hughes and Ruth Lewer read 'If' by Rudyard Kipling.

Chris Green, president of the Hereford Liberal Democrats, described Mr Keetch as an 'engaging, energetic and popular man'.

Once elected, he immediately supported local businesses and promoted Herefordshire, he said, and was particularly proud of securing flood defences for Hereford and Ross-on-Wye as well as campaigning for more beds, staff and funding for the A&E department at the county hospital.

He also invited every school to the House of Commons and regularly visited schools.

"He was an immensely popular MP with a reputation for getting things done," he said. "He helped literally thousands of constituents during 13 years in Parliament.

"The people of Hereford owe him a very great deal and we must make sure his many achievements are never forgotten."