'Freddie could talk about everything under the sun...but just not himself'

ROBERT'S TRIBUTE TO LEGEND FORSYTH

- By Matt Nixson

FREDDIE Forsyth was hailed by the actor Robert Powell as a unique man who enriched the lives of those around him as friends and family paid tribute at the funeral of the best-selling writer, journalist and Daily Express columnist.

More than 100 mourners gathered at Chilterns Crematorium in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, yesterday before repairing to Freddie's favourite pub, The Jolly Cricketers, in nearby Seer Green where The Day of the Jackal author spent many happy hours ensconced with the newspapers in his “crossword corner”.

Thrilling

The author of more than 25 books, also including The Odessa File and The Dogs of War, Forsyth died at home in Buckinghamshire aged 86 on June 9 after a short illness.