CELEBRITIES were among the mourners who gathered at an Essex church today for the funeral of actor and comedian Mike Reid.The 67-year-old - best known as EastEnders' Frank Butcher - died of a heart attack in Spain last month.

CELEBRITIES were among the mourners who gathered at an Essex church today for the funeral of actor and comedian Mike Reid.

The 67-year-old - best known as EastEnders' Frank Butcher - died of a heart attack in Spain last month.

Dozens of camera crews were outside Little Easton Parish Church, near Great Dunmow, as celebrities arrived, including EastEnders' cast members Barbara Windsor, June Brown and Pam St Clement.

Former cast members of the BBC 1 show also attended to say their farewells, including Sid Owen and Michael Greco.

Also at the funeral were soccer agent Eric Hall, former boxer Henry Cooper and comedian Russ Abbott.

Reid was pictured on the front of the Order of Service with his wife Shirley on their wedding day. The couple had a house in nearby Great Easton.

Reid's agent, David Hahn, read a tribute during the service and one of Reid's sons, Jimmy, talked about family memories of his stepfather and said he was a “charismatic man and a gentleman to the end”

Stan Taylor, life president of the Comedians Golfing Society, also paid tribute to the actor.

Reid's coffin was taken into the church as The Ugly Duckling music played.

Frank Sinatra's My Way was among songs to be played to the congregation, followed by an address by the Rev Cilla Hawkes.

Hymns included The Lord Is My Shepherd and the Lord's Prayer was read.

My Love and Devotion was played as the coffin left the church for the committal, a private service for the family.