THE funeral of a former Enfield mayor, who became famous for announcing the 1997 election defeat of Michael Portillo, will take place next week.

Patrick Cunneen died on December 18, after a battle with motor neurone disease. His funeral takes place on Monday, January 9.

Mr Cunneen was elected as a Labour councillor in 1990, and went on to serve as mayor of the borough between 1996 and 1997.

During his term of office, he was called on to announce the 1997 election results, which included the shock defeat of then-Defence Secretary Portillo to Labour's Stephen Twigg.

The moment came to define the 1997 General Election, and was seen by millions across the UK on the night, as well as many more on YouTube afterwards.

Mr Cunneen later described that moment, at Picketts Lock Leisure Centre, as the “crowning triumph of my time as mayor”.

Fans of Enfield Town Football Club have paid tribute online to Mr Cunneen, who was a regular supporter and a well-known face at the club.

The funeral takes place at 12.30pm at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, in Ordnance Road, Enfield Lock.

The family have asked for any donations to be made to the Motor Neurone Disease Society, or the North London Hospice, and sent via undertakers J A Clarke and Son, at 89 Wood Street, Barnet.