Tributres have been paid to a much-loved farmer and former parish councillor.

More than 200 people attended the funeral of Tom McMillan, who had served on both Gosfield and Stisted parish councils, at Stisted Church .

The 73-year-old had grown up and worked on Milles Farm in Stisted, before retiring to Gosfield in 1999.

He died on January 27 following a heart attack and his funeral was held on February 11.

His cousin David McMillan said: “Tom was well known to many people who travelled out of Braintree to help him and his father harvest the peas, potatoes and other vegetable crops on their farm near the main road.

“He was well known to many people in Essex and Suffolk as he travelled widely to horse races, farm sales, and with the many clubs and societies of which he was an enthusiastic and active member.

“Tom was a kind man with a heart of gold who would always try and help in any way he could, sometimes with an introduction, sometimes in more tangible ways.

“He took an active part in the life of Stisted and later Gosfield, and served on both parish councils.”

“He will be greatly missed by many people and organisations.”