The former Stretford MP Sir Tony Lloyd is to be remembered at a service in his hometown after he died from a form of leukaemia.

The funeral of Sir Tony, who served the constituency for over a decade, is at St Hugh of Lincoln Church at 12pm on February 16.

The former Stretford MP was a councillor on Trafford Council before his election to the House of Commons and, after the abolition of the constituency, he became MP for Manchester Central then MP for Rochdale, a role in which he worked up until a few days before his death.

Also the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester and Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, he was remembered by those across the political spectrum for his dedication and his devotion to public service.

Altrincham and Sale MP Sir Graham Brady summarised this cross-party sentiment in a speech to the House of Commons last month.

Messenger Newspapers: Sir Tony Lloyd

Sir Graham said: "Tony was a calm and decent man and a gentleman. 

"When I was elected I was one of two Conservative MPs in Greater Manchester but, right from the start, he was one of those who set the tone for the way in which, regardless of party, we all worked together in the interests of the city and the region."

Sir Graham said: "I came across him again in 2010 when I was elected chairman of the 1922 Committee and he was the chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).

"It was remarkable how often he was able to give me, as the new boy looking after the 1922 Committee, advice and guidance from his experience of dealing with the PLP. He will be missed and he sets an example for us all I hope will be followed."

The funeral at St Hugh of Lincoln Church is to be followed by a committal at Manchester Crematorium for the family.

The family asked for all donations to go to Blood Cancer UK, UNICEF UK and the Bumblebee Conservative Trust. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.