THE funeral took place this week of barrister, drug awareness campaigner and former Parliamentary candidate Brendan Joseph Anderson.

St Helens man Mr Anderson, aged 51, died suddenly at his home in Oakemere, Cheshire on December 20. He was chairman and co-founder of the Drugwatch Trust and practised as a barrister based in Chester.

Mr Anderson once stood as a Conservative Party parliamentary candidate in Newton-le-Willows. A devoted family man he leaves a wife, Janine, a son and two daughters.

Monday’s funeral service at St Werburgh’s Church, Chester was followed by committal.

Drugwatch Trust co-ordinator and former police officer Dave Betts told the Star: “Everyone is so sad. Brendan’s funeral was well attended – a fine tribute to a family man who cared much about the community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”