The city of Birmingham yesterday said goodbye to one of its favourite politicians, the outspoken and colourful Sir Anthony Michael Beaumont-Dark.

MPs and councillors joined friends and family at a service of thanksgiving for his life and achievements at Birmingham Cathedral.

They listened and sang along to Sir Anthony's favourite hymns and songs including Dear Lord and Father of Mankind and Matt Monroe's version of My Way.

Sir Anthony (pictured), known affectionately as Tony, died at 73 on April 2, leaving his wife Sheelagh, his two children and five grandchildren.

The former stockbroker was once the representative for Selly Oak and was described by former Conservative leader Michael Howard as a "champion of local government" who was always ready to fight Birmingham's corner.

His tribute to Sir Anthony was met by laughter as many recalled famous comments from his parliamentary days, when he was known for being a "rent-a-quote" politician.

Mr Howard said although he shunned publicity, he never hesitated in going against his party's policies if they were not in the West Midlands' interest.

"Tony was never in any doubt what he was here for. He arrived in the House of Commons and was very clear about his work.

"He was a champion of local government," he said.

"I remember on one occasion Margaret Thatcher passed him in the corridor and said, 'Will you be voting for us tonight dear?' and when he said that he would, she said, 'Jolly good. That makes a change'."

Mr Howard also recalled Sir Anthony's dealings with former MP Edwina Currie, who was also present at yesterday's service.

He said when Mrs Currie was on a diet, she made a remark about the eating habits of Midland men. He in turn created the "Currie Club" with other MPs, dedicated to high cholesterol food.

"A short while later when Tony got bitten by a dog, Edwina sent the dog a thank you note."

Clive Wilkinson, Heart of England NHS Trust chairman and former leader of the council, said: "Over the 30 years that I knew him, I came to admire Tony's commitment to this city and the region.

"When I was council leader and felt let down by the Government, Tony would be the first to step up and talk to us.

"It did not matter if it was a Labour or Conservative party in power, if it was in the interest of the city of Birmingham, Tony would go to battle for you.

"As far as I was concerned he was doing Birmingham's work. A man of intelligent thinking, he was a clear thinker and he had integrity.

"On behalf of the citizens of Birmingham can I say, Tony, thanks for everything. We will miss you."

Sir Anthony's son Nick paid tribute to his father who he said had overcome many obstacles to become the man people remembered him as.

"My father had a very public life but was a private man," he said. "As a result of a childhood illness, he was particularly prone to getting broken limbs. He broke his back playing rugby and was told by the doctors that he would never walk again.

"He spent nine months in a plaster cast reading about economics and commerce."