A small and private funeral for John Benjamin, a man who dedicated his life to Bradford on Avon, took place yesterday at Holy Trinity Church.

Mr Benjamin was known as Bradford bicycle inventor Alex Moulton’s right hand man, as well as holding many roles in the town.

In the 1960s, Mr Benjamin joined the management of the revolutionary small-wheeled Moulton bicycle company on Holt Road, and fast became good friends with Dr Moulton both professionally and personally, helping to organise the first annual Moulton Weekend event in 1975. Today the event still brings Moulton Bicycle Club members to The Hall on Holt Road.

After his retirement from the firm he maintained his firm friendship with the Moulton family, many of whom attended his funeral.

Mr Benjamin was mayor of the town for two years in the 1970s as well as being a dedicated councillor for 14 years. He was also a magistrate and a trustee for the Fitzmaurice and Abbeyfield Preservation trusts.

Among his many interests, rowing became a firm favourite.

It was through his passion for rowing that he made contact with Leer rowing club in Germany, which led to the eventual twinning of Bradford on Avon with Norden in Ostfriesland. He had friends in Germany until his death.

He was also an early member of Trowbridge Rotary Club in the 1950s and later became its president, going on to co-found Bradford on Avon Rotary with Richard Lerwill.

Mr Lerwill said: “He was very proud of the fact that he came from Bradford and he dedicated his life to the town and that’s one of the reasons why we founded the Bradford on Avon Rotary Club in 1986.”

The current mayor of Bradford on Avon, John Potter, said: “I’ve heard great things about John and how he was a very patient and lovely man, particularly when working for Alex Moulton. I know he did a lot for the town so I am in no doubt that he will be missed by many.”

Mr Benjamin died on December 28 at Wingfield care home in Trowbridge, aged 87.