THE streets of a small village came to a standstill as about 500 people gathered to pay their respects to George Bracher, an influential Kent lawyer.

More than 100 people listened over loudspeakers in the churchyard at St James's Church at Egerton, near Ashford, to a memorial service held to mark the life of Mr Bracher who died in August, one month short of his 71st birthday.

The moving service was packed with readings, music and song.

Mr Bracher, who lived in Rock Hill Road, Egerton, with his wife Sarah, was a past president and treasurer of the Kent Law Society and a non-executive director of the Kent Messenger Group.

He was also a trustee and advisor to the Primavera orchestra, a keen supporter of the Royal Philharmonic orchestra and the Egerton music festival and a member of the Royal Geographic Society.

Mr Bracher loved opera and donations at the service were taken to contribute to the Kennedy Strauss singing prize.

Tom Faussett, a friend of Mr Bracher since their schooldays together and a colleague from the rifle brigade, gave a moving tribute to his friend. He said: "This church is overflowing with those who knew and loved George, some as a friend, some as a colleague, some as a relative.

"George was a bit different. He had a personality which went before him, which met you halfway and inspired people.

"With the generous size of his waist went a generosity of spirit. No wonder he was a trusted lawyer and family friend to so many of us here."

Kent Messenger Group chairman Edwin Boorman attended the service, accompanied by many of the newspaper group's senior executives.

Readings of The House at Pooh Corner by A A Milne and Farewell by Anne Bronte were included in the service. Kim Begley and Marie McLaughlin sang pieces by Mendelssohn and Canteloube at the church.

Mrs Bracher and her three children invited people to Egerton village hall after the memorial service.