THE ashes of David Gest have been scattered in an emotional ceremony in his adopted city of York.

The entertainer's ashes were scattered from the top of Clifford's Tower following a ceremony attended by a 20-strong group of family and friends, including his sister Barbara Gerber.

Guests released white doves and balloons from the tower as part of the ceremony, held earlier this month after the historic tower had closed for the day.

The site - just metres away from his apartment in the city centre - was chosen as he had specified in his will that he wanted his ashes to be scattered in the city.

His best friend and co-producer Imad Handi said: "He said that in his estate if he passed away he just wanted somewhere nice in York. We decided it was a peaceful place."

Mr Gest, 62, a producer and reality star, died in a hotel in London last month.

He had previously spoken at length of his love for the history and sense of permanence and heritage York offered.

"He found York very peaceful," said Mr Handi.

"From when he came to England he loved York, we're going back to 2006 when he first visited York.

"David was very educated and he loved history - he loved the buildings in York. He felt comfortable there. He loved the quirky little shops and the hog roast.

"He found the people of York so warm and welcoming."

The scattering of Mr Gest’s ashes took place on May 15 following his funeral at Golders Green in London.

A spokesperson for English Heritage said: “We were approached by David Gest’s family who asked if they could scatter his ashes from the top of Clifford’s Tower in a small, private memorial.

“As he was an adopted son of York, we thought it an appropriate thing to do for his family.”