A memorial service has been held at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, for former Shields Gazette political reporter David Bamber.

David was based in London and was parliamentary reporter for a variety of newspapers.

The 39-year-old used to work at the Hull Daily Mail before becoming Parliamentary correspondent at The Sunday Telegraph and later home affairs correspondent.

He was recently a senior researcher for Fraser Kemp, the MP for Houghton and Washington East.

He died in May, days before his 40th birthday, from gastrointestinal bleeding.

Friends and former colleagues hosted a celebration of his life and work.

His funeral was held at Rosehill Baptist Church, in Burnley, followed by a service at Burnley Cemetery.