Celebrities and fans came out in their droves to pay their respects to Sir Ken Dodd as he was laid to rest today (28.03.18).

Sir Ken Dodd

Sir Ken Dodd

Several stars, including Ricky Tomlinson, Stephanie Cole and Claire Sweeney attended Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral following the comedy legend's passing aged 90 earlier this month, and hundreds of his supporters stood on the streets outside the venue clutching tickling sticks.

Residents and visitors lined the route as a horse-drawn hearse - a nod to his dad's job as a coal merchant - travelled from Ken's home in Knotty Ash to the cathedral.

Ricky paid tribute to the late star, admitting he didn't want to feel sad at the funeral because Ken would want people to "celebrate" his life.

Speaking to ITV News, he said: "I'm not mourning him, it's a joyous occasion. Doddy was wonderful, he filled the world with laughter, happiness and joy, and he wouldn't want us to be sad today.

"He'd want us to celebrate what a wonderful 90 years he had. The laughter he gave out to people you couldn't buy.

Claire added: "He's just a legend, and when we went to his 90th birthday he was still cracking his jokes and had the audience in hysterics right until the end.

"He had kind words, he was supportive. There will never be another Ken Dodd."

Stephanie said: "Not only was he a genius, and I use the word advisably, he was the dearest man. He was extraordinary in that when you met him he had no ego.

"He was much more interested in you, or whoever he was talking to than he was to himself, which is a rarity."

A mini floral version of Ken - who passed away following a six-week battle with a chest infection - could be seen resting alongside the end of his coffin while it was in the horse-drawn hearse.

Ken's coffin arrived at the cathedral to applause from bystanders, and the Red Rose Concert band played a version of his signature song 'Happiness'.

Several fans watched the events unfold on a big screen outside the cathedral and held their feather duster tickling sticks aloft in tribute to the late legend.

Ken's widow Lady Anne Dodd was joined by a number of other stars, including Roy Chubby Brown, Jimmy Tarbuck, Les Dennis and Miriam Margolyes at the service.

Jimmy said: "He was the greatest stage comic I've ever seen. I mean, at the Palladium, he did three seasons there and it was glorious.

"He never got giggle laughter, never little titters, there were roars of laughter like you've never heard. I've never seen anybody get laughs like him."

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