HUNDREDS of people packed into a village church to commemorate a man who dedicated his last days to fund-raising for a North-East hospice.

Rob Niven, 51, of Ingleton, near Darlington, died last Sunday, just days after he launched a campaign to raise money for a full-time care unit at St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington.

Today family, friends and colleagues of Mr Niven paid their last respects to him at St John's Church in the village, near Darlington.

A lone piper played as the coffin was taken into the church and Mr Niven's Scottish roots and love of Scottish cooking were referred to throughout the service.

The service was relayed via a public address system to mourners who could not fit into the church and they listened in silence as family and friends paid tribute to the popular architect.

The mourners heard about Mr Niven's work as a part of the Voluntary Service Overseas organisation on Mombassa Island more than 30 years ago.

Readings from the Bible and Shakespeare featured in the service and tributes were paid to his love for his wife, Meg, the rest of his family and his faith.

Mr Niven, who ran architects Niven and Niven in Darlington, was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year.

He received palliative care at St Teresa's Hospice throughout his illness and decided to speak out about the hospice's appeal to raise an extra £250,000 a year to open a six bed full-time care unit.

The Northern Echo is supporting the hospice's campaign. Anyone wanting more information can contact Craig Linton on (01325) 254319 or e-mail cldarlington-hospice.org.uk