Funeral for singer Bernie Nolan

Family and friends of Bernie Nolan will gather at the theatre where she made her name to say goodbye to the singer and actress who died earlier this month.

The 52-year-old died after a long battle with cancer and will reportedly be buried with the ashes of her daughter, Kate, who was stillborn more than a decade ago.

Her sister Coleen told the Daily Mirror the ceremony at the Grand Theatre in their hometown of Blackpool would be "a massive celebration of her life".

She was initially given the all clear for breast cancer in 2010, but last year discovered it had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.

ITV presenter Phillip Schofield, actor Martin Kemp and former footballer Gary Lineker have tweeted:

Speaking after beginning her treatment for breast cancer in 2010, Bernie Nolan told ITV News that the illness had changed the way she looked at life.

"At lot of things are so less important in life now than they used to be," she said.

"You worry about how you look, what you think - I don't really care any more.

"I'm just who I am. That's why tonight I've come out without a wig to say to all those people out there who have the same illness as me: You do what you want.

"If you want to go bald, go for it. Sod what people think. You are who you are."

Singer Bernie Nolan dies after three-year cancer battle

Singer Bernie Nolan was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2010.

She received the all-clear in 2012 after a mastectomy and extensive chemotherapy.

But later that year her cancer returned, having spread to her bones, brain, liver and lungs.

Her husband Steve finished her memoir Now and Forever in early 2013 when she became too ill to finish the book.

She died peacefully on Thursday morning surrounded by family members, a spokesman said.

In May this year, Bernie Nolan's husband Steve talked to ITV's Lorraine programme about her memoir Now and Forever.

Steve finished writing the book when Bernie became too ill to complete it at the beginning of 2013.

"Everyone loves Bernie," he said at the time. "It's difficult not to. She's such a wonderful girl."

Click to watch the clip

Bernie Nolan is most famous as the lead singer of hit Irish girl band The Nolans.

Their most famous hit was I'm In The Mood For Dancing which reached the top three in 1980.

Bernie Nolan, one of the members of the pop group The Nolans, has died at the age of 52.

A spokesman for the family said: "Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her.

"The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister, she is irreplaceable.

"They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time."

Bernie Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.