Mourners flocked to Bradford Cathedral to pay their last respects to one of Bradford's best-known former submariners.

High-ranking representatives from the Royal Navy and former servicemen from across the country joined friends and family at the funeral of Thomas Topham MBE, president of West Riding branch of the Submariners' Association.

Mr Topham, 68, known as Topsy, died suddenly last week at a VIP reception in Plymouth.

A former quarry director, he was known for his generosity in donating stone for naval memorials and was to have unveiled a life-sized statue of a submariner the following day.

Draped with the White Ensign, his coffin was carried by six pall-bearers from the HMS Raleigh Submarine School. Standard bearers from the West Riding branch of the Submariners' Association followed, joined by the international and national representatives flags of the organisation together with banners from the Royal Naval Association.

Music at the service included the Royal Marine Band's recording of Sunset and the hymn Eternal Father, known as 'For those in peril on the sea'.

The family had wanted to hold the service in Bradford Cathedral because so many people wanted to come. His daughter Pamela gave an account of her father, describing him as a "gentle man" dedicated to his family. And colleague Cliff Wilson said the West Riding branch of the Submariners' Association were in deep shock.

"He was a most unassuming person," he said. "His concern and dedication had meant much to his family and others. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say I was proud to have known him."

A submariner for about eight years, Mr Topham went on to become director of Park Spring Quarry at Swales Moor, near Queensbury, and was awarded the MBE. Memorials he donated included a statue in memory of the victims of an IRA bomb blast in Deal, Kent, and two stones in Bradford Cathedral.

A member of the Bradford branch of Royal Naval Association, he re-formed the West Riding branch of the Submariners' Association.

Branch secretary Ian Waterworth said: "He was inspirational for the branch and generous to a fault."

Mr Topham is survived by his wife of 49 years, Doreen, children John Susan and Pamela and two grandchildren.

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