Family, friends and council colleagues filled Our Lady of the Assumption RC Church on Common Edge Road for the funeral yesterday of Coun Heap who died at his home on June 14. He was 66.

Father Geoff Bottoms said the deep impression Coun Heap had made on Blackpool was reflected in the amount of people who had gathered to show their regard for him.

Fr Bottoms said: "This was a man who was well-loved, who was well-respected, a man of integrity who gave politics a good name as he went into it to serve the community he loved with no thought of personal gain whatsoever.

"That was recognised across the political divide because I know he was loved and respected by those on the opposite benches of the council chamber as well."

Coun Ron Bell, who led the tributes from family and friends, told the congregation how he had been best man at Coun Heap's wedding to his wife Anne at the same church just weeks ago.

He said: "After meeting Anne, Granville took on a new lease of life.
"His happiness then knew no bounds."

Coun Bell also recalled the time Coun Heap danced with Margaret Thatcher when the Conservative Party Conference was held in Blackpool in 1989.

Coun Bell said: "It's said that after a few minutes, Mrs Thatcher leant over and whispered in his ear, I'll lead from here!"

Coun Heap's daughter Nicola Farrer, from his first marriage to Kaye with whom he remained on good terms, told the congregation that it had been wonderful to hear so many heartfelt tributes to her father.

She said: "Dad, you may not have been born here but you had Blackpool blood running through your veins."

Coun Heap, who also leaves two grandsons, was born in Oswaldtwistle but moved to Blackpool aged four.

He had represented Stanley Ward since 1983, and was deputy mayor three times and mayor from 2000 to 2001.

He lived in St Heliers Road, South Shore, for 35 years before moving to St Annes and had retired from running a newsagent shop in Coronation Street, Blackpool.

He was also a past president of Blackpool Brass Band, who played at the funeral ceremony, with Coun Heap's coffin being carried out of the church to a rousing rendition of Dambusters.