Harrison ashes to be scattered on sacred river

The family of George Harrison is preparing to scatter his ashes on a sacred river as it emerged he had been cremated in a cardboard coffin.

The ex-Beatle's funeral ceremony was held just hours after he died in Los Angeles.

He was taken to a crematorium after his family held hands around his death-bed and said a simple prayer over his body, the funeral directors said.

His wife Olivia and son Dhani were given the ashes after the service, which cost less than £350, and were then reported to be preparing to cast them on a river in India, in accordance with his last wishes.

Profoundly spiritual, George Harrison's faith meant his body should be cremated as quickly as possible.

Within 20 minutes of his death, staff from funeral firm Hollywood Forever were on their way to the Los Angeles home of "bodyguard-to-the-stars" Gavin de Becker, where he died.