THE curtain came down for the final time for much-loved actor Derek Fowlds as mourners attended his funeral on Monday.

More than 200 people packed into St Katherine's Church in Holt to pay their last respects to the well-known actor who lived at Colerne near Chippenham.

The service included personal tributes from Basil Brush, Diana Hoddinott, who played the Prime Minister's wife Annie Hacker in Yes Minister, and actor Clive Mantle, with whom Mr Fowlds used to attend Chelsea FC football matches.

Mr Fowlds died at the Royal United Hospital in Bath aged 82, on January 17 surrounded by his family.

He was best known for being 'Mr Derek' on the Basil Brush Show, and for his performances in the TV series Yes Minister and Heartbeat.

Mr Fowlds bowed out with a standing ovation from mourners including James Bolam and Nerys Hughes from Heartbeat.

Afterwards, close family attended a service at the West Wiltshire Crematorium at Semington.

The family requested donations to Dorothy House Hospice c/o C S Bowyer Funeral Directors, 2 The Bull Pit, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1NB.