TRIBUTES have been paid to distinguished motor industry figure Ernie Thompson, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, whose funeral took place this week. The service was held on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of family and close friends at Basildon and District Crematorium in Essex.

A memorial service will be held in the near future to allow Thompson's many friends and colleagues in the motor industry to pay their last respects. Thompson passed away on Tuesday, November 17, aged 62, after losing his lengthy battle with cancer.

Acting chief executive of the SMMT, Roger King, said: 'Ernie joined the SMMT in December 1993 following a 33-year career with the Ford Motor Company. Under his guidance the society was given a new lease of life. The SMMT will sorely miss his dedication and leadership in all business dealings and the motor industry is poorer for his passing.'

Ian McAllister, chairman and managing director of Ford Motor Company, said: 'Ernie was a great character - a man of immense integrity and honesty. His knowledge of the business was a great asset to me in my early days as chairman of Ford of Britain. We will all miss him very much.'

Donations in his memory may be sent, payable 'Cancer Research Campaign', to Stibbards and Sons, funeral directors, 4 Common Lane, Hadleigh, Benfleet, Essex SS7 2RN.