Family and friends mourn TV comedian Rik Mayall

Some of Britain's most famous comic stars gathered for the funeral of comic actor Rik Mayall in Devon today.

The star of the Young Ones, Bottom and Blackadder died last week at home, aged 56.

Read: Stars pay their respects to Rik Mayall

Friends and family have gathered in Dittisham, Devon, to pay their respects at Rik Mayall's funeral.

Guests including Young Ones co-star Nigel Planer and stars such as Ruby Wax, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French were among 140 mourners attending the service at St George's Church.

Mayall - known for roles in TV hits such as Bottom, The New Statesman and The Young Ones-died last week aged 56 at his home in Barnes, south west London.

Prior to the service, his widow Barbara asked fans for their "thoughts and prayers" during the private ceremony.

Read: Rik Mayall's widow: Support source of 'great strength'

Rik Mayall's funeral takes place at 2pm on Thursday as his widow Barbara asked fans to "join us in thoughts and prayer at this time".

"Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength," she said

The comic and actor collapsed at home in southwest London after what his widow described as an "acute cardiac event".

Mayall shot to fame playing poetry-writing anarchist Rick in The Young Ones and his career also included roles such as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder and the conniving Conservative MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman.

Read: Rik Mayall's 2010 World Cup song becomes Top 10 hit

Rik Mayall's "private family funeral" takes place later with his family asking fans for their "thoughts and prayers".

The private ceremony for the star, who died last week aged 56, will be followed by a memorial service which is expected to be held in September.

His widow Barbara said: "Knowing the swell of love you all share with us we would like to let you, the fans, know that we will be having a private family funeral for Rik, as I am sure you will understand."