SHOWBIZ'S TOP DOG A FOND FAREWELL TO A NATIONAL TREASURE

PEOPLE AND PETS GATHER AS BELOVED ENTERTAINER AND ANIMAL ADVOCATE PAUL O’GRADY IS LAID TO REST

- ALISON GRAVES

Fans lined the streets of Paul O'Grady's home village in Kent last Thursday, as the comedian was laid to rest - but it was the star's canine admirers who stole the show. Dozens of dog owners brought out their four-legged friends to pay tribute to the much-loved entertainer, who died "unexpectedly and peacefully" on 28 March.

The funeral cortege travelled through the streets of Aldington ahead of the service at St Rumwold's Church, close to where Paul had lived for more than two decades. As it made its way past the picturesque 12th-century church, Paul's husband Andre Portasio wiped away tears as he rode on a carriage drawn by two black horses, with one of the couple's five dogs, Conchita, on his lap. Alongside Paul's coffin, which was adorned with a wreath of lilies, was a floral tribute in the image of the star's late dog, Buster - a regular on his TV shows - who died in 2009.

Several of Paul's celebrity friends turned out to pay their respects, including fellow comedians Alan Carr, Jo Brand and Julian Clary, Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell, and EastEnders actors past and present, including Cheryl Fergison, Linda Henry and Scott Maslen. Screen legend Dame Sheila Hancock arrived with Lord Michael Cashman, who played EastEnders' first gay character, and Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood attended with his wife, Sally. Other stars paying tribute included Paul's good pals, ex-Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay, presenter Mel Sykes and his former Big Breakfast co-host Gaby Roslin.

Paul's daughter, Sharyn Mousley, arrived wearing a black veil, accompanied by a young man, believed to be the star's grandson Abel, holding a Lily Savage wig - a touching tribute to Paul's legendary alter ego.