PEOPLE packed into a service celebrating the life of West Dorset farm worker Keith Baldwin.

The service was held at Weymouth crematorium at 1pm today, September 26, and saw family, friends and members of the Dorset community come together to pay their respects to Mr Baldwin.

His widow, Vicki Baldwin, who lives with their three children, 6, 12 and 15, in Kingston Russell, near Long Bredy, paid a touching tribute to Keith.

Afterwards, she described the service as ‘beautiful’ and said she was left ‘feeling overwhelmed’ by the number of people who attended.

Mr Baldwin, 50, died when the JCB he was driving plunged into a slurry pit on September 4.

He was moving heavy slurry from one pit to another on Westcombe Farm in Hooke when the accident happened that morning.

At the service, a welcome address was given by service celebrant Nita Tripp together with a number of tributes, a poem, blessing, eulogy and words of appreciation.

Mr Baldwin was described as a ‘kind gentleman and man of many talents’ who loved nothing more than having a cup of tea at his home.

He also had a ‘real love of nature’ which he shared with his family.

A number of Mr Baldwin’s favourite songs were also played at the service, including The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics and Queen’s Love of my Life.

After the service, Vicki said: “The service summed up Keith’s personality perfectly.

“Keith had such a cheeky personality and came into my life with a bang; he will be missed by so many.

“He died in such tragic circumstances but I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the number of people who have come to pay their respects and help us celebrate his life.

“We had two beautiful singers at the service - Alex Best and Riannon Burton - who I want to thank so much.

“Thank you to everybody for their support, which has been a testament to how well-loved Keith had been.

“Andy Fooks from Grassby has been just brilliant and supported us every step of the way.”

After the service family and friends were invited to the Coach and Horses in Dorchester, Keith’s favourite pub, to raise a glass for Keith before a private wake later in the evening.