Fans pay respect at Milligan's funeral

Fans of comic genius Spike Milligan gathered to pay their respects outside the church where a private family funeral service was held today.

Around 100 family and friends of the 83-year-old Goon star, who died last Wednesday, sang traditional hymns at St Anthony’s Church in Watchbell Street, Rye, East Sussex.

Outside more than 50 fans and onlookers gathered to watch proceedings as Spike’s children were led into church by their mother, his wife Sheelagh. The couple lived in nearby Udimore.

After the service Spike’s body was taken to a Church of England cemetery at Winchelsea for burial. His coffin was draped in the Irish flag and covered with floral tributes from his children.

A spokeswoman for St Anthony’s Church said: ‘‘It was a wonderful service. They had their own choir and sang traditional hymns. Quite a few people gathered outside the church. There was quite a crowd.’’