More than 2,000 mourners gathered in York yesterday to say farewell to much-loved television presenter Richard Whiteley. Mark Foster reports

THEY came to say a final farewell to Richard Whiteley yesterday - and love, laughter and affection were the order of the day.

If such warmth can be the measure of a man, then the veteran TV broadcaster had it by the bucketload - and it was reciprocated in full by his family, friends, colleagues and admirers.

Always a champion of Yorkshire, it was fitting that the service to celebrate and give thanks for his life was held in York Minster and, given the size of the crowds, it was also necessary.

More than 2,000 people packed into the soaring knave of the great cathedral and hundreds more braved the crisp autumnal cold to gather outside the imposing West Front.

"He was a man who made everyone smile - he only had to walk through a door into a room," said TV legend Alan Whicker as he made his way through the crowd. "I thought he was a prince."

Opera star Lesley Garrett - whose career the presenter helped to launch - was simply effusive.

"His life is something to celebrate. There was something wonderful about him and I owe him a great debut of gratitude. I think of that happy face and all those wonderful ties. He is sorely missed."

Richard's long-term partner, Kathryn Apanowicz, arrived arm-in-arm with his co-presenter from Channel 4's Countdown, Carol Vorderman.

Many other famous faces arriving to pay respect, including Jo Brand, Barry Cryer, Bernard Ingham and Rick Wakeman slipped through the crowds.

Inside, television executive Sir Paul Fox recalled the man who was a television professional through and through and who became part of the family for the millions who watched him on the small screen every day.

There were 27 years of regional news show Calendar and all its offshoots and then 23 years of Countdown.

More than 4,000 episodes of the five-times-a-week show were broadcast with Richard in the presenter's chair.

"He was a man of zest, humour and humanity and his life was at its peak when illness struck him," said Sir Paul.

"We shall always remember him in our heads - but most of all in our hearts."

Carol Vorderman recalled a man who broke all the rules of TV presenting - wearing loud jackets and ties and even forgetting the contestant's names.

"He wasn't smooth," she said, sparking an outburst of laughter.

But she also spoke of how people waited two years for a ticket to the show and how students would arrive by the busload from all over the country. She added: "He was the best company you could ever wish for."

Rick Wakeman, of rock band Yes, performed a specially-composed piece entitled Gone But Not Forgotten, while stars from Opera North sang a selection of the presenter's favourite songs.

Raconteur and Dictionary Corner regular Gyles Brandreth reduced the congregation to tears - of laughter - as he recalled the friend who was "intellectually sharp and emotionally intelligent".

He added: "Richard was a man without guile. He was an innocent. He was happy. He was like a ray of sunshine.