Stars from the world of showbiz gathered to pay their last respects to one of the nation's greatest singers.

Pop singers joined relatives and fans at St Mary's Church, Henley, yesterday for the funeral of singing legend Dusty Springfield.

The pop star, whose career spanned four decades, died last week at her home in the town after a battle against breast cancer. She was 59.

Her final journey was made in a glass-sided carriage drawn by two black-plumed horses. Tearful mourners packed the historic parish church, and many more stood patiently outside to hear tributes by musicians Elvis Costello, Kiki Dee, Lulu, Dionne Warwick and Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant.

In a moving tribute, fellow 60s pop idol Lulu said: "Dusty made a big impression on me and I have always looked up to her. She was a very powerful force, even though she was shy. She was vulnerable and that enabled me to feel closer to her. She had tremendous courage because she bared her soul to the whole world." A faxed tribute from American pop singer Dionne Warwick read: "It is strange to think of Dusty in the past tense. During the years of our friendship we did funny things together and Dusty showed me an England that not many Americans get to know. I will miss her and I am sure many others will, too."

Neil Tennant, who helped revive the singer's career through a series of collaborations with the Pet Shop Boys, said: Dusty's fortunes and misfortunes had created a powerful myth.

"She could be quite difficult to know but we loved her and knew sometimes it must have been difficult to be Dusty. She was sweet and a bit nutty."

The service was followed by a private cremation.

Rector of St Mary's Church the Rev David Pritchard said: "She was one of the greatest singers of our time and people in Henley have been moved. We have all been remembering how she was and this has given us all a chance to remember her in her prime."

"She was a private person. It was hard for her being constantly in the public gaze but she enjoyed her privacy and used to find solace by visiting St Mary's Church regularly."

Story date: Saturday 13 March

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