Several tributes were made to beloved Powys councillor Mike Williams during his funeral procession from Machynlleth to Aberystwyth.

All three emergency services, residents of Machynlleth and people lining the route were among those paying their respects to Cllr Mike Williams.

As the Machynlleth and Montgomeryshire community turned out to honour councillor Mike Williams on Wednesday, August 14, emergency services in the area formed their own tribute to the fire service board member.

Representatives from Dyfed Powys Police, Machynlleth Fire Station and Wales Ambulance lined up to form a ‘guard of honour’ for Cllr Williams during his funeral cortege.

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A spokesperson for Machynlleth Fire Station said: “This morning was a solemn and touching moment, as all three emergency services came together to honour Councillor Michael Williams during his funeral cortege.

“He was a remarkable gentleman who selflessly served Machynlleth, Dyfi Valley, and Powys.

“As a former member of the fire service board, he consistently put Machynlleth's well-being first. His absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him.”

Cllr Mike WilliamsCllr Mike Williams (Image: Phil Blagg Phtography)

The public service was held at 11am in Aberystwyth, with the hearse leaving Cllr Williams’ home in Bryn Y Gog, Machynlleth at 10am.

The hearse also stopped briefly at Machynlleth Clock Tower for people in the town to pay their last respects, while people who were unable to attend the service in Aberwystwyth were invited to line the route along Newtown Road, Maengwyn Street, Heol Pentrerhedyn and Aberystwyth Road.

The tributes add to an outpouring of messages for the highly respected councillor, who served as a county councillor for 40 years, after he passed away in July.

Machynlleth mayor Jeremy Paige said: “I accompanied Mike to many events during my time as Mayor and the warmth with which he was received everywhere was very special.

“It is easy to look busy these days with the use of social media but Michael really was busy, quietly and modestly attending hundreds if not thousands of meetings, relentlessly supporting the town and countless organisations, teams, societies and local people.

“He was wise and kind and had a vision for the future but he also had a special respect for those who came before him and it is incumbent on us to continue his legacy.”

Donations in his memory were made for the Machynlleth Community Children Project.