THE life of entertainer and performer Jake Thackray was fondly remembered by family and friends at his funeral yesterday.

Tributes were paid and fond memories recalled as around 300 people gathered at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Monmouth.

Entertainers Jasper Carrot and Mike Harding were among those paying their final respects to the 63-year-old, who died at his Monmouth home on Christmas Eve.

His widow Sheila, and his three sons Sam, Bill and Tom welcomed people to celebrate his life.

The service opened with the hymn To Be a Pilgrim, followed by readings from the Scriptures by Father David Lewis Smith.

Then three of Jake's friends shared their own thoughts and memories of the folk singer. Ian Gliddon, who had known him since the 1960's, said: "Jake loved life and lived every day to the full."

He said: "Jake had been lucky because he had met Sheila and found real love." He added Mr Thackray loved his family and was proud of his three sons, who had become independent moral people whose views he valued.

Don Burton, a friend of Jake's for 35 years, said: "We are all here to remember our special friend."

He recounted with laughter his first meeting with Jake and events in their subsequent long friendship.

Mr Burton said: "We will all miss Jake, but we have his legacy, his music and our memories of him."

He added that Mr Thackray's family should take comfort from the love within the church. He said that love and friendship could help them through the difficult times.

Mike Harding, comedian and singer, paid the final eulogy to Mr Thackray, entertaining the congregation with his recollections.

He said: "Jake was a national treasure. A man of great humour, great warmth and imagination."

He added that Mr Thackray was well-respected in the folk and entertainment worlds. "Jake had true Yorkshire grit and an understated sense of humour.

He was a man who gave us all a great gift."

He concluded: "Jake was a great human being, he was a wonderful father, great husband and a great friend."

The hymn Jerusalem followed the readings and Mr Thackray's coffin was carried from the church as the choir sang Mozart's Ave Verum.

After the funeral cortege left St Mary's, friends and family of Mr Thackray applauded the popular entertainer.

A private cremation was held and a tribute evening of musical entertainment took place at The Gatehouse, Monmouth.

All donations in memory of Mr Thackray were for The St Briavels Centre for Child Development and Amnesty International.

* Pictured, Jake Thackray's coffin is carried from St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Monmouth