Funeral arrangements for former councillor John Hanna

The service begins at his late home at 11.30am followed by a Thanksgiving service in St Matthew’s Parish Church, Scarva at 3pm. Interment follows in the adjoining Churchyard. The family requested family flowers only.

The former party colleagues of the UUP councillor, who was killed in a tractor accident, have described him as a “friend to all”.

John Hanna died on Monday after his vehicle overturned in the Ballintoy area of north Antrim.

Six serving or former politicians signed the statement, all described as having been colleagues of Mr Hanna’s on the old Banbridge District Council.

His widow, councillor Joan Baird, who currently sits on the new Causeway Coast and Glens supercouncil, had requested privacy last week.

The party’s joint statement included the names of councillors Glenn Barr, Carol Black, Ian Burns, Elizabeth Ingram, and ex-councillors Olive Mercer and Joan Baird (who is no relation to his widow).

He served 22 years on the council (right up until earlier this year), and the statement praised “his dedication and selflessness”.

“He was a real character, renowned for his integrity and loyalty, and as a hard-worker who was never afraid to voice his opinion yet remained keen to help anyone, regardless of creed or party,” the statement read.

“He was a friend to all and we can pay him no higher tribute than to say he represented all that is good in Ulster Unionism and that he will be greatly missed.”