TRIBUTES to former High Wycombe mayor Mohammed Razzaq praised his determination to bring people of different cultures together.

At a memorial and thanksgiving service in All Saints' Parish Church on Monday, his three sons Pervez, Zain and Javed spoke of their father who was the town's first Asian mayor.

Javed Razzaq recalled his proudest moment was when his father, known affectionately as Razz, was made mayor in 1988. He said: "My father is now the new mayor of heaven."

He told more than 150 mourners at the High Wycombe church: "My mum and dad held up their lives for all to see and showed that mixed marriages can work. I am so proud to be their son."

Pervez Razzaq said his dad gave 110 per cent in all he did and always had a smile on his face. He was our dad and our best friend and we will never forget him," he said.

Mr Razzaq's wife Val sat quietly at the front of the church.

The couple were due to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary when Razz died of a brain haemorrhage on April 17. The Rev Frank Hillebrand said Razz brought the people of Wycombe together. "His marriage to Val showed his determination not to be bound by culture," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.