'Big gentle John' will be missed.

A POPULAR Birmingham councillor who died suddenly of a heart attack was warmly remembered at his funeral.

John Beadman was just 61 when he collapsed and died earlier this month.

About 500 people packed into Holy Trinity Church in Sutton Coldfield yesterday for the funeral of Coun Beadman who leaves a widow Marilyn and his mother Amy.

Mourners included city council leader Coun Mike Whitby, Sutton Coldfield Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell and his predecessor Lord Fowler.

Coun Beadman had represented Sutton New Hall for the Tories since 2000 and was also a master butcher, running both corner shops and the family business, Ryland Road Stores, for many years.

His close friend, cabinet member for housing Coun John Lines, said Coun Beadman, known fondly as "Big gentle John" had suffered ill health in recent months, going in and out of hospital for operations on his liver, but his death was still a huge shock.

"What really came across with John was a kind heart and a kind word for everyone," he said.

Also at the funeral were councillors who served with him on the housing scrutiny and licensing committees.