HUNDREDS of people packed into a Workington church for the funeral of a much-loved local man, known for his colourful past and commitment to the community.

At St Mary's Church in Moss Bay, veteran councillor Denis Robertson was remembered as "a legend" and also "a bit of a nutter, rogue and vagabond".

Rev Steve Axtell said: "He was a great character with a big public profile but first and foremost he was a family man."

Mr Robertson had five children - Robert, Linda, Brenda, Denise and the late Joseph, 22 grandchildren and seven great grand children.

"He was proud of them all," said Rev Axtell.

Mr Robertson died on January 29, he had been ill for some time.

"Overall he enjoyed his life. It had its difficult patches, some of these were the consequences of his own choices and actions," said Rev Axtell.

"He was a bit of a lad and did some crazy things which we can laugh at now.

"He was a legend in his own time and helped many people in his role as councillor. He took on some big battles."

Mr Robertson, who was known to his friends as Cocky, was born in Workington in 1943.

"He worked at the steelworks to begin with but generally made his living in more unconventional ways," said Rev Axtell.

"There are plenty of stories about Denis."

He recalled the time Mr Robertson was caught by police on the roof of Spar but refused to come down until they called him by his full name - Joseph Denis Robertson.

"He was a famous streaker," said Rev Axtell, who spoke about the time he stripped off at a Town match and ran on to the pitch.

"Once he did a sponsored streak through the town to raise money for an unofficial charity. He liked to think he got his nickname from this but actually it's probably from how he behaved as a youngster!

"He was a bit of a nutter, rogue and vagabond and not everyone laughed about his antics. But he did reform."

He served on Allerdale Council and had been on Workington Town Council.

"He served as a councillor for 12 years and was well regarded. He would fight your corner and take up your case, he has helped many, many people in the area," said Rev Axtell.

"He was concerned about the ebbing away of facilities at Moorclose.

"He tried to stop the closure of the only pub on the estate, also Southfield School and the development on The Cloffocks."

Following the service, which came to a close with a rendition of 'My Way', people were invited to share their memories of of Mr Robertson at the Trades Hall.

Donations in his memory will be split between the church and Macmillan Nurses.