SCORES of mourners turned out to pay their respects to former Journal photographer Terry Williams.

Terence Edward Williams - best known to friends as Terry - died on Friday, June 22 aged 77 after a battle with cancer. 

His funeral was held today (Thursday) at St Thomas' Church in Rhyl, ahead of a cremation at Denbighshire Memorial Park.

An emotional eulogy was delivered by former colleague Denise Hodgkinson on behalf of his family.

The much loved and respected photographer was brought up on The Reso in Rhyl - a fact he was very proud of. 

He was described as a true gentleman, a 'prankster' and someone who loved and embraced technology. 

He was someone who always had a twinkle in his eye and would 'do anything for anyone.'

A moving poem was read by his nephew Ian, on behalf of Terry's sister Jenny. 

The father and grandfather, who was an Elvis Presley fan, lived in Abergele and had been a photographer for about 40 years, including some 30 years on the Journal.

Terry's hearse was followed by a large group of motorcyclists who joined from Whistlestop Cafe in Rhuddlan, where Terry was a regular face.

Terry's former North Wales Newspaper (NWN) colleagues remembered him fondly. 

Elwyn Edwards, former deputy editor, recalled when Terry was taken on as a full-time photographer.

He said: "He was under the wing of Glyn Roberts whose superb experience was quickly absorbed by Terry. It was not long before he was to stamp his own inimitable style on the Journal's photographic output."

Close friend Kerry Roberts, chief photographer for coastal titles, said: "He was a real pleasure to be with, always very professional and he had a great sense of humour.

"When he retired, he continued to work as a freelancer for us. We remained close friends and met up for coffee most weeks. I am really going to miss him."

[Pictures: Craig Colville]