Arthur Titherington’s dogged determination was remembered at his funeral yesterday.

More than 250 people attended the service at St Mary the Virgin, in Church Green, Witney, to salute the 88-year-old who had campaigned for 60 years for an apology from the Japanese who held him and thousands of other soldiers as prisoners in appalling conditions during the Second World War.

He did not manage to win that battle but the former mayor of Witney and chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council was praised for his drive and determination.

Richard Dossett-Davies gave a tribute at the service on behalf of Mr Titherington’s widow Iris and children Jill and Richard.

Mr Dossett-Davies said Mr Titherington – who spent more than three years in prison camps after being captured when Singapore fell in 1942 – would not drive a Japanese car or even eat rice for many years, but these attitudes changed as he grew older.

He said Mr Titherington had become friends with a Japanese couple, visited Japan and even owned a Toyota car.

Mr Dossett-Davies told the congregation that Mr Titherington would, when things got difficult, say: “There is no such word as can’t.”

Mr Titherington was a keen golfer, archer and photographer and ran a photography studio with his wife for many years, he said.

Describing him as a family man, Mr Dosset-Davies said Mr Titherington once told him that his wife “was the best thing that ever happened to me”.

Former BBC reporter and ex-independent MP Martin Bell, who worked with Mr Titherington to try to secure an apology for ex-prisoners from the Japanese government, also paid tribute to him for his commitment to the campaign.

He said: “Without Arthur it would not have got as far as it did. He was one of the most unusual and truly remarkable human beings I ever met, and he will live long in our memories.”

Martyn Day, a lawyer who helped Mr Titherington’s campaign, said: “He was the most determined client I have ever had in my entire life. He never took no for an answer.”

Julian Cooper, the mayor of Woodstock, served with Mr Titherington for many years on the district council.

He said: “I will best remember him as one of the most determined people I have ever come across.”

He added: “As someone who was always on the opposition benches, he always made sure you had an opportunity to present your view.”

County, district and town councillor David Harvey described Mr Titherington as a warm, generous and very caring person.

He said: “He genuinely loved Witney and was always always on the lookout for things that could be improved.”

Mr Titherington died on Sunday, September 19.