LEADING politicians and dignitaries gathered at St Helens Crematorium yesterday for the funeral of former MP John Evans.

An MP for St Helens for more than 20 years he would go on to become Lord Evans of Parkside.

A former shipyard worker and trade unionist he died on March 5, aged 85 after suffering from Alzheimer's.

Among those attending the service were those who followed him representing the St Helens North seat Dave Watts and Connor McGinn, the Police Commissioner for Merseyside Jane Kennedy and Pauline Prescott the wife of the former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Pictures Robbob.