Stars turn out to say a final farewell to Professor Stephen Hawking at Westminster Abbey

The world said a final farewell to one of the greatest minds in science today.

A memorial service for Professor Stephen Hawking has been held at Westminster Abbey.

Thousands, including family, friends and the famous, were invited to say goodbye to the Cambridge physicist.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Hawking in the 2004 BBC drama, read the first lesson from the Book of Wisdom.

Astronaut Tim Peake and Professor Hawking's daughter Lucy, also spoke at the memorial service.

Among the family and friends, 1,000 members of the public were picked to also attend the ceremony.

The actor Benedict Cumberbatch was among the speakers at the Westminster Abbey ceremony. Credit: PA

Professor Hawking died in March, aged 76, after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

His ashes were buried between those of other great scientists - Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.

A memorial stone for the physicist has was placed on top of the grave in Westminster Abbey.

His ashes are being buried alongside other great scientists Credit: PA