Famous faces amongst thousands of mourners at funeral of Joe Longthorne

Joe Longthorne's funeral has taken place in Blackpool Credit: ITV Yorkshire

Stars of the stage and screen turned out today to pay their final respects to Joe Longthorne, as the third and final day of mourning for the Yorkshire entertainer's death drew to a close.

Joe found fame on Search for a Star in 1981 Credit: ITV Yorkshire

There were emotional scenes on the streets of Blackpool as the funeral cortege passed through the town which Longthorne had made his home.

It mirrored the tributes which were paid yesterday in Hull, where he was born and raised.

The showbiz stalwart died on August 4th in his husband Jamie Moran's arms and surrounded by his family.

The 64 year old singer and impressionist enjoyed five decades in the industry and was a regular on the ITV series Junior Showtime from 1969 until the age of 16 before getting his big break on Search for A Star in 1981. Katie Oscroft reports.