THERE was standing room only in a Hampshire church as a community gathered to remember a remarkable man.

Peter Legate died on Mount Everest on April 30, aged 38, while attempting to climb the world's highest mountain in aid of children's charities.

More than 500 of Peter's friends, family, colleagues and team mates crammed into St John's Church, Hythe.

They filled the aisles and foyer and spilled out on to the pavement outside to celebrate the life of the Lymington-based businessman.

Peter's body remains on Everest where he fell. His family - mother Margaret, brothers Rick and Chas, and sister Rosemary - worked together to produce a fitting memorial service for their heroic mountaineer.

The atmosphere in the crowded church was tinged with shock as people came to terms with the sudden loss of a man who had been such a vibrant and energetic force in their lives.

But joy was present too, as friends and colleagues spoke about what made Peter special.

He died attempting to raise nearly £30,000 in sponsorship for two local charities, Naomi House Children's Hospice near Winchester and Children Say, a Southampton-based charity for youngsters with communication difficulties. Both organisations were at Peter's memorial to pay tribute.

Mary Nicklen of Children Say said: "Peter told me once that he wasn't afraid of danger, but of fear itself. Now he will be our inspiration to carry on bringing hope to the thousands of children he wanted to help."

For Naomi House, Hugh Thomson said: "Peter volunteered to work in the hospice so he could really find out how it worked.

"He learned the ethos of Naomi House, and he was an inspiration to the children there. I am proud to have known him."

Rev Paul Baird of St John's Church said Peter loved people, and had a faith and confidence in humanity.

He said: "This service is a chance to honour Peter for what he achieved, thank him and share our memories of him."

In memory of Peter, his family has launched a special fund to support his two favourite causes - Children Say and Naomi House. The Peter Legate Everest Charity Fund (PLECF) is based at NatWest Bank, Hythe.