THE BELLS of St Michael's and All Angel's church in Macclesfield rang out in celebration of the life of John “Jack” Denby Downing, who died on November 18, aged 93.

Seven Ambassador limousines, led by an old Cheshire County fire engine, carried retired fireman Jack and his family to his town centre funeral on Friday (November 27), where a standard bearer from the Cheshire Regiment and the Royal British Legion were waiting.

It was a fitting ceremony for a man who represented his country as an elite soldier and a champion sportsman.

With almost a hundred mourners present, his son Ian described his dad as generous, popular, loyal and faithful. He said: “I'm proud that Jack Denby Downing was my father.”

His youngest son John, of Rushton Spencer, added: “He loved his country, regiment, squad and town.”

Concluding the service, the Rev David Wightman said: “He served well his country, his town, and his family. It really is something when you can say that about someone.”

The last post was performed by Phil Archer, before a minute's silence in Jack's honour.

The funeral procession was led to Macclesfield crematorium by an old Cheshire County fire engine.

The father-of-six, a former Macclesfield firefighter, was hand-picked for a special forces unit during the Second World War by Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s own son Randolph.

As one of the "assassins", Jack, who died at Macclesfield Hospital last Wednesday following a heart attack, was sent on secret operations behind enemy lines, according to his youngest son.