A POIGNANT tribute to the life of a poet and musician took place at Dymock Church.

Nick Alexander, passed away aged 62 following a two year battle with cancer and a funeral took place for him on Monday.

The ceremony saw around 300 people assembling to celebrate the life of Mr Alexander.

Jim Dening, a close friend of Mr Alexander said: "It was a sad but satisfying occasion to remember Nick.

"He was an affectionate and funny man with a wide circle of friends.

"It is the most people I have seen for a funeral here and one or two others said the same, there was a real solidarity amongst friends."

Mr Alexander, had planned the funeral before he passed away, which featured Morning Dew by Grateful Dead as the entry song.

The exit song was Down the Road by Mickey Hart.

During the ceremony, his brother-in-law Rob Gready read an extract from Ecclesiastes 3:1 before Mr Alexander's two children Simon and Jess Mercer read eulogies for him.

Mr Dening also wrote a poem for the day which was read during the funeral.

Mr Dening added: "The occasion was also celebrating what a great father he was."

Mr Alexander, who was buried near the start of the famous Poet's Walk, was cared for by St Michael's Hospice just before he died.

There was a collection for hospice at the service.

After the event, the group went to The Feather's Hotel in Ledbury where Mr Alexander was a regular, to celebrate his life.

His daughter-in law Ms Mercer then sung a song that she had made in tribute of him and there was an open mic for people to give a tribute to him.

In recent years Mr Alexander performed at the Worcester Music Festival, as well as giving readings at the Ledbury Poetry Festival.

Mr Alexander, who was 62, was also well-known for musical appearances with his band pOxymoron including Mr Dening at the Prince of Wales pub in Church Street, Ledbury.

Mr Alexander died at St Michael's Hospice on Sunday January 8.