Clive Hornby's portrayal of farmer and family man Jack Sugden, a character rarely parted from the flat cap he had worn from his arrival in the Dales, made him a well-loved name.

Among those paying their respects at his funeral at Rawdon Crematorium, in Leeds, were Sheila Mercier, the veteran actress who played his mother Annie Sugden, and Frazer Hines, who starred as his brother, Joe Sugden.

Kelvin Fletcher, his on-screen son, Andy Sugden and Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, were among the pall-bearers.

Elizabeth Estensen, his on-screen wife Diane, travelled with his family, including son Tom, to the service.

Paying tribute to the actor she told of the bravery with which Hornby faced his illness.

She described how he endured great pain but told only a small number of people he was not well while he was still working.

"The thought of Tom kept him going, " she said.

Hornby's son Tom, recalled the times he spent with his father, telling mourners: "He was my best friend, whom I trusted and respect. I love him.

Keith Richardson, executive producer of ITV1's Emmerdale, described the actor as "a much gifted man."

"He was not just a colleague, but a valued friend, " he said.

Around 200 people gathered to say their farewells to the actor. Among them stars of Emmerdale past and present including Sheree Murphy, Sammy Winward, Leah Bracknell, Peter Amory, Claire King, Malandra Burrows, who arrived on crutches, and Roxanne Pallet.

The stars of the show were joined by others who had parts in the long-running series. Bryn Dennis, 69, of Knottingley, a long-standing extra in the soap said: "He has always been a good guy. He treated everybody as a friend, not as a walk-on."

Hornby, who lived in Ilkley, died of cancer earlier this month aged 63. He was the longest-serving cast member in Emmerdale's history, a fixture in the soap for 28 years. His last scenes were broadcast in February but he had been determined to quietly beat his illness and return to work.

Hornby first walked on to the Emmerdale set on February 19, 1980, after being offered a three-month contract.

He took over the role from Andrew Burt, who had played Sugden since the first episode.

Recently, the actor had said of his longevity on the soap: "I can't believe I'm still here sometimes. Some of the kids in the show weren't even born when I started. But I love it. I must be a survivor because 28 years is a long time to survive in a soap. I can't imagine leaving."

His character was married three times, had five children, and suffered plenty of on-screen strife.

Despite the changes to the show, originally called Emmerdale Farm, one thing remained consistent for flat cap and wax jacket-wearing Sugden. "Believe it or not, I still wear the same cap, the one I was given on my first day, " he said Hornby.

Sugden's first wife, Pat, was killed off in a car crash in 1986 – the first of many tragedies for his character.

In real life, he went on to marry Helen Weir, who played Pat. They divorced eight years ago and have a son, Tom.

Hornby was born and raised in Liverpool and started his working life as an accounts' clerk. In the 1960s he enjoyed success as a drummer with pop group The Dennisons and their music was played during yesterday's service. The band played on the same bill as The Beatles at Liverpool's famous Cavern Club.

When the group split, Mr Hornby turned his attention to acting, attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. As well as theatre parts he appeared in army sitcom Get Some In!, Gerry Anderson's Space 1999 and Minder.