A thanksgiving service is to be held in Devizes for former arts festival chairman Stephen Brazier who died on September 12.

Mr Brazier, who lived for many years in Long Street, Devizes, died after a sudden stroke leaving his wife Pat, children Simon, James and Anna and grandchildren Sophia, Emily, Tom and Joe. He was also the loved brother of four sisters.

Mr Brazier had moved to Bristol but kept in touch with many people in the town and still followed the fortunes of the groups he supported.

Everyone will be welcome at the thanksgiving for his life to be held at St John's Church, Devizes, on October 31 at noon.

His family this week described him as a great friend and counsellor to all.

Churchwarden Tony Scorer, who knew Mr Brazier through the festival and a number of other Devizes organisations including one set up to preserve St Mary's Church, paid tribute to him saying: "Stephen had a great love of history and church buildings so he was keen to lend a hand with some of the initial research that went into planning the regeneration of St Mary's.

"He always wanted to know more and ensure that others could easily understand what he had found.

"I really appreciated his support and enthusiasm for the project. He kept a strong interest in our endeavour after he moved to Bristol."

Mr Brazier was also a committee member for Devizes Film Club and threw himself into many projects after retiring as a lecturer.