A SPECIAL service has been held to celebrate the life of a man who was at the centre of the political life of south Shropshire for three decades and was a leading conservationist.

The service of thanksgiving was to mark the the life of Major Adrian Coles MBE, TD, the founder of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

Major Coles, affectionately known as Major Hedgehog, died in at The Royal Hospital Chelsea where, as a Chelsea Pensioner, he had resided for the last four years of his life.

A large congregation attended and the church was at full capacity.

The service was attended by a host of civic dignitaries, serving and former military personnel, several Deputy Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace.

As well as senior current and former councillors and representatives from numerous organisations and bodies. Pensioners from The Royal Hospital Chelsea donned their distinctive scarlet coats and tricorn hats and travelled from London accompanied by Major Coles’ Captain of Invalids, Major Philip Shannon.

Local branches of the Royal British Legion joined forces to form a guard of honour as the coffin, draped with the Union Jack and carrying Major Coles’ Tricorn hat and medals laid on a velvet cushion, entered the church followed by Major Coles’ three children and six grandchildren.

At the graveside, Royal British Legion standards were raised and lowered to The Last Post and Reveille. Major Coles was buried next to his wife Pam who died in 2011 and his son David who died aged three and a half in 1976.

Major Coles’ family said they were deeply touched by the kindness and support they had received.

“I have never been more proud, my father was a wonderful man who worked tirelessly for the local community and for the county of Shropshire, he will be greatly missed,” said his eldest daughter Annie.

Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society also paid her tribute.

“Adrian was unique. A kind gentleman with a quick sense of humour, endless determination and a strong sense of duty,” she said.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to him for the compassion he showed to our prickly friends and the foresight he had to begin a charity dedicated specifically to them.

"We will miss him very much, but will continue our good work in his memory.”