FAREWELL OLD FRIEND
Hundreds turn out to pay their respects
Reporter “THE face of the North East” – that’s just one of the ways Mike Neville was described as he was laid to rest yesterday.
Friends, family and famous faces who worked with the legendary newsreader over the years turned out for the funeral of a true North East legend.
Mike, who passed away on September 6 aged 80, became a household name across the region during five decades of presenting with ITV and BBC.
Known for marrying warmth and wit with real gravitas to form his trademark on-screen persona, Mike was trusted, respected and liked across the North East.
Rector Barry Abbott, who led the service at St Mary’s Church, Whickham, described Mike as an “exceptional man”.
He said: “Mike was a man known and loved across the North of England.
“He gave a special expression to the times and the potential of the people of this region. He was one of our own.
“Mike has a wonderful ability to make us smile and laugh with him. He was there in my living room and in thousands more every evening and he made us all feel as if we were part of his family.”
The great and good of the North East turned out to say goodbye, including current BBC presenters Carol Malia and Jeff Brown, Great North Run founder Brendan Foster, and former Newcastle United owner Sir John Hall.
Former Newcastle United captain Bob Moncur spoke about Mike outside the church.
He said: “Today has really brought back memories because he was news anchor during my