THE funeral has taken place of Hovis Presley, the Bolton comic poet who shunned fame and fortune but loved to entertain.

Mourners packed St Osmund's RC Church in Long Lane, Breightmet, for a requiem mass in memory of Hovis, whose real name was Richard McFarlane.

He died, aged 44, in the Royal Bolton Hospital, two weeks ago. He was a champion of live poetry and comedy and appeared on stage in Bolton, throughout the North-west, and on the radio.

Since his death, tributes have been broadcast by Radio Two DJ and former Bolton School pupil Mark Radcliffe, and obituaries have appeared in two national newspapers.

During the mass, there were readings and poetry by members of his family and friends. Singer/songwriter Kevin Bates sang Homeward Bound, by Simon and Garfunkel.

A recording of Hovis reading his poem I Rely On You was also played.

His younger brother, Philip, told mourners: "He was someone who always shunned fame and fortune. He just wanted to entertain people."

The funeral service was followed by cremation at Overdale Crematorium.