Mike Peters mourners cry, laugh and cheer at moving celebration of his amazing life

IT WAS A FUNERAL LIKE NO OTHER AS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS SAY FAREWELL TO STAR

- BY DAVID POWELL, STEVE BAGNALL and ANDREW FORGRAVE

THOUSANDS of people descended on a Denbighshire village yesterday for the funeral of The Alarm frontman Mike Peters.

Family, friends, music and entertainment industry associates and fans gathered to celebrate the life and bid a fond farewell to one of North Wales' much-loved sons.

The legendary musician and cancer campaigner, from Prestatyn, passed away on April 29 after a brave 30-year battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in after to remember Mike and his fantastic impact on all who knew and met him.

There were tears, cheers and laughter at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, Waterfall Road, Dyserth, as the service featured 24 speakers and musicians. They offered heartfelt reflections, readings and performances to honour Mike's remarkable journey - from rock star to cancer warrior and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation.

Outside the church, a big screen was erected for those gathered there, so they could be part of the event. Around 150 invited guests, many of whom have travelled from the United States, attended the service along with Mike's widow Jules, 58, and their sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18.

Jules, Dylan and Evan were applauded by hundreds of fans as they walked into the church, with his wife clutching a single red rose and his youngest son carrying his father’s ashes.

From the outset, it was clear this would be a send-off unlike any other, with the star-studded congregation singing Stand by Me accompanied by Dylan and Evan on the guitar.