TSUNAMI victim Steve Magson would have been "so glad" his wife and daughter survived the disaster, his widow told mourners at a memorial service.

Denise Magson said Steve's last thoughts would have been "for his family" as he was swept away by the massive wave which struck Ko Phi Phi Island, in Thailand, where he was on holiday, on Boxing Day.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to the father, friend and businessman in a service in York Minster Choir yesterday.

Mrs Magson, and her daughter, India, were enjoying a Christmas break with Mr Magson in the idyllic Thai paradise when the deadly waves engulfed the resort.

While they were miraculously swept to safety in a kayak, Mr Magson, 54, who was watching them from the beach, has never been found.

Friends paid tribute to Mr Magson who was described as an innovative businessman and a "very good friend" who would be greatly missed.

India read a poem to the congregation, created specially for the day by Sandra Alderson - Mr Magson's sister - before Mrs Magson paid tribute to her husband.

She said: "Steve was taken from me, taken from all of us, most tragically on December 26 on the tsunami wave at Phi Phi Island.

"I am sure his last thoughts would have been for his family. He would have been so glad that India and I had survived."

Mrs Magson said that thought had kept her going over the "past dreadful months". She also said Mr Magson would have been proud of how India had been "so strong and brave" since he died.

The number of mourners who attended the service was a "fitting tribute to a fine man", said Mrs Magson.

The service was led by Canon Glyn Webster, the Minster Chancellor, who said the events of the tsunami "will be with all of us forever".

A reception was held, following the service, at York Racecourse. Mourners were told that donations could be given to the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust - set up to keep his memory alive by raising funds in his name.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the trust should visit the website at www.stephen-magson-mt.org

Updated: 09:45 Saturday, March 19, 2005