Grandees from the golden age of British television have arrived to pay their respects at the funeral of Ronnie Corbett.

The entertainer died last month aged 85 having been diagnosed with a suspected form of motor neurone disease.

A service attended by family and friends is being held at the St John the Evangelist Church near his home in Shirley, Croydon, south London, before the cortege moves on to a local crematorium.

Stars including Barry Cryer, Sir Michael Parkinson, Jimmy Tarbuck, Rob Brydon and David Walliams have arrived at the church.

Sir Michael said of Corbett: "What you saw is what you got. He was modest, self-effacing, he was a brilliant comic, very good actor too, very good comedy actor.

"And as a guy to be a friend of he was just unbeatable."

Sir Michael said he will be "greatly missed", adding: "It's a sad day."

Tarbuck said Corbett was a "great guy" and added that the atmosphere would be "very sad for the family and for all his friends".

He went on: "He was much loved. Very correct guy, very funny fellow. Disciplinarian - I think that was because he was an officer in the RAF. But he was great company.

"I mean he was a terrific laugh. Dreadful giggler. He used to get me at it when we worked together."

Prompting cheers from mourners nearby, Tarbuck said: "Much loved, and should have been knighted. That's definitely my opinion."