Bye bye, pals. See you later - farewells at Gerard Kelly's funeral

The Glaswegian - best known for his role as Willie Melvin in the popular 1980s comedy City Lights - died aged 51 at West Middlesex University Hospital on 28 October after a suspected brain aneurysm, with his family and close friends at his side.

The requiem Mass at St Aloysius' Church in Glasgow's Garnethill area was attended by his City Lights co-star, comedian Elaine C Smith, comedian and writer Tony Roper, Rab C Nesbitt star Gregor Fisher and friend and colleague Andy Gray.

Also attending was Kate Anthony, who plays Pam Hobsworth in Coronation Street.

During the service they heard how Kelly "was a star" who had worn "his fame like a leaf".

On the back of the order of service there was a picture of Kelly in panto costume with the words "Bye Bye Pals … See you later", a play on his catchphrase "Hiya Pals".

Throughout the hour-long Mass Kelly was referred to by his original first name, Paul. Leading the service, in which mourners gave Kelly a minute's applause, Father Gerard O'Brien said: "Paul Kelly was always gentle in his dealings with others.

"He was slow to anger and never bore grudges no matter how poorly he was treated. He wore his fame like a leaf in the autumn wind. He was a star."

Billy Differ, a friend of Kelly's and a former manager of The King's Theatre, told the service: "Kelly was most proud of his place as the King of Panto.

"He loved panto and always took the audience on a wonderful journey. I always knew how much the panto meant to Kelly, but I'm just realising how much he meant to panto."

Mr Differ, who had known the actor for 30 years, said: "He came from humble beginnings in Cranhill in Glasgow. He never lost that humility.Farewell my friend, you will be missed."

As mourners walked out, the Westlife song You Raise Me Up was played.

On the way to the crematorium, his funeral procession drove past the city's King's Theatre where he was due to star in The Rocky Horror Show this month before beginning his regular pantomime run.

Slowing as it passed, theatre staff and members of the public applauded the hearse.

Gary Barak, spokesman for the family, asked that no flowers were to be sent and that instead a tribute to the actor was being arranged in conjunction with the theatre, with funds going to its restoration in Kelly's name.

A poster from last year's panto, featuring his smiling face, was put up outside The King's in tribute and the box office closed for an hour as a mark of respect.

Members of the public stood in the rain on Bath Street and clapped as the hearse passed with a police escort.

Ann Yorke, from Ayr, said: "I've been coming to see Gerard Kelly in pantomimes for a long time with my grandchildren.

"We decided to come up today to get tickets for this year's show. He is going to be so missed.

"He was so funny, he held the show together, he was the backbone of the pantomime."

Though much-loved for his numerous pantomime performances, Kelly also had a huge fan base in Scotland thanks to his portrayal as hapless aspiring author Melvin and roles in Rab C Nesbitt and Scotch And Wry.

He also appeared on national television playing soap opera gangsters, firstly in EastEnders in which he gave the Mitchell brothers a run for their money and then in Brookside.

He made three appearances in Ricky Gervais's comedy Extras and early in his TV career he starred in the children's show Metal Mickey.