MOURNERS filled St Anne’s Church in Chapeltown to pay their respects to a “fearless” and “determined” GP who died while climbing a Scottish mountain.

Friends, relatives and former colleagues of Dr Ian James attended his funeral yesterday, after his sudden death on April 30 at the age of 64.

A lover of classical music and the countryside, Dr James died when he suffered a heart attack climbing Ben Challum.

His cherished blue 1975 Mk1 Ford Granada GXL led the funeral procession.

In a reading titled “Thoughts of Ian”, Dr James’ brother, Glen, said: “Ian had a fearlessness that made him the ideal companion if you were in a tight spot.

“He was a kind, determined and hard-working man. He would not want us to grieve about him, rather he would want us to remember him in our hearts.”

Mr James added that his brother had been trying to climb all the Scottish Munros — mountains over 3,000ft — when he died and that the family would complete the challenge on his behalf.

Born in London, Dr James settled with his family in Chapeltown Road, Edgworth, to become a senior partner at Spring House Surgery in Chorley Old Road.

He leaves his wife, Stephanie, and sons, Glen and Alastair.