A THANKSGIVING service for the life of the Reverend Christopher John Searle took place at Nailsea Methodist Church on June 17.

Chris was taken ill suddenly and died soon afterwards in Frenchay Hospital on June 3, aged 63.

He had been the pastor of Portishead and Nailsea United Reformed Churches since 2009 and friends, family and colleagues say he will be sadly missed.

More than 300 people attended the service. A church spokesman said: “It was a fitting tribute to a well-respected and much-loved pastor and representations from the different denominations in each town showed unity from the churches in both Portishead and Nailsea, which was particularly appreciated.”