Funeral held for radio 'watchdog'

John Mills joined BBC Radio Norfolk in 1980

The funeral has been held for BBC Radio Norfolk presenter John Mills, who died at the age of 59.

Best known as a watchdog and consumer champion with his Midday with Mills programme, he had also been a regular presenter on Radio 4 and World Service.

He died last week after a long battle against cancer.

On Friday, at Mr Mills' request, he was buried in a cardboard coffin after a non-religious service at Woodland Burial Park, near Norwich.

His family said they had been overwhelmed by messages of support and condolences from BBC Radio Norfolk listeners.

Solved consumer problems

Mr Mills began his radio career as a volunteer on the Gilbert and Ellis Islands in the Pacific, returning to the UK and Radio Blackburn in 1970.

In 1976 he moved to East Anglia, joining Radio Norfolk in 1980.

His consumer programme began in 1995 and he quickly built up a reputation for solving consumer problems and explaining complex issues to the Radio Norfolk audience.

His achievements were recognised nationally when he won the British Insurance Brokers Association Media Award in 2000 for his work tackling listeners' insurance problems.

John Mills leaves a wife, Kath, three children and three grandchildren.