The Mayor of Worthing paid tribute to Argus photographer Phil Wigglesworth at his funeral yesterday.

He joined dozens of photographers, journalists and family members for the service at Worthing Crematorium. Coun Brian McLuskie, a former newspaper advertising executive who worked with Phil, gave a moving address to mourners. He said: "His skills were those of a craftsman and we saw the world through his eyes."

Phil, who leaves two children, Sadie and Sam, who is at college studying to be a press photographer, died of cancer at the age of 62 after a long and distinguished career behind the lens.

During that time he photographed many thousands of people and was present at major news events, such as the fire that destroyed the Warnes Hotel, Worthing, in 1987, and the Great Storm in the same year.

He started on the Worthing Herald in 1953, did National Service in the RAF and later moved to the Evening Argus as its West Sussex photographer in 1983. Phil's patch included Worthing, where he lived, Littlehampton, Bognor, Chichester, and all the villages in between.

Yesterday's funeral was conducted by Fr Charles Macrae, of St Botolph's Church, Heene, Worthing. Coun McLuskie said: "Phil's ability to create pictures of quality was a source of admiration."

Fellow photographer and friend David Nicholls said Phil was very proud of his children, who he often took on jobs when they were young. Phil was privileged to be present at events which shaped local history and he could turn a mundane assignment into a creative picture.

Mr Nicholls said: "When you look back, remember that Phil had a full life and a good life. He covered the news with his camera for 45 years and in his last year he was a very brave man indeed."

Away from newspapers, Phil enjoyed boating, mountain biking over the Downs, DIY, gardening and looking after his koi carp. The funeral was followed by a wake at the Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing.

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