THE family and colleagues of former council boss Steve Weaver came together at Blackburn Cathedral yesterday to remember a man ‘of commitment, vision, passion and determination’.

Mr Weaver, 64, was killed in a hit-and-run’ accident in France last month when he was knocked off his bike near his holiday home in Provence.

The keen cyclist, who lived in Revidge, was one of the architects of the creation of Blackburn with Darwen Council in 1988 and chief executive of Blackpool Council from 2002 to 2011 developing its masterplan for the 21st century.

His daughter Ruth, 36, who lives in Burnley told the packed congregation: “The world feels a lesser place without him in it.”

Senior figures from the two councils gave civic tributes and mother-of-two Ruth and Mr Weaver’s brother Terry led the family memories before younger son Ben, an opera star in Germany, sang Moving Waves to finish the memorial service.

Older son Christopher, a Labour councillor in Cardiff, ex-wife Ann, other family members, friends, politicians, colleagues and Superintendent Julian Platt from Lancashire Police also attended.

Former Blackburn-with-Darwen chief executive Phil Watson spoke of Mr Weaver’s refreshing directness, ability and humour.

He said he would always be remembered in the borough which ‘would always be grateful for his immense contribution.”

Former leader of Blackpool council Roy Fisher said: “He was responsible for the redevelopment of Blackpool for the 21st century.

“He was a man of commitment, vision, passion and determination.”

Mr Weaver, originally from Yorkshire also left three grandchildren Agatha, Andrew and Catherine.

Ben said: “It was a fitting tribute. I don’t think he thought he would be missed by so many people.”

A spokesman for French police in Malaucène said yesterday the investigation was continuing.