Thousands attend funeral of John Peel

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Peel - Thousands attend funeral

There was applause from the congregation when Peel's coffin was taken from St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk - with his favourite song 'Teenage Kicks' from the Undertones being played.

Peel's family and friends were joined in their mourning today by Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey and The White Stripes.

An estimated 1,000 people crammed into the cathedral for the funeral service, while a further 2,000 lined the streets outside to listen to the proceedings on loudspeakers. The funeral service at St Edmundsbury was followed by a private service for Peel's family.

Among those who paid tribute to the legendary DJ were Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Blur and Oasis.

A family statement released by Peel's wife Sheila and their four grown up children thanked people for the many tributes paid to the broadcaster.

"John was loved by so many for a multitude of reasons. To us he was a loving husband, father and above all friend. We are going to miss him terribly," the statement said.

Fellow broadcaster Paul Gambaccini paid tribute to Peel saying, "You broke more artists then any broadcaster in this history of radio."

Peel died of a heart attack two weeks ago, while on holiday in Peru. He was 65 year old.