Stars of stage and screen gathered at the funeral of a journalist who combined a life of writing with his love of music, film and theatre.

Many paid moving tributes to Brian Gibson, the former advertising and feature writer of Argus Property, the property supplement of The Argus.

A written message from actor Michael Jayston was read out during yesterday's service and wreaths came from Des O'Connor, publicist Max Clifford and from the pop group Brotherhood of Man.

Actor Chris Ellison, who played DS Burnside in the TV series The Bill, paid a moving tribute to Brian at the funeral at the Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton.

Mr Ellison, described Brian as his "special pal" for the past 20 years.

The actor, who lives in Hove, spoke of Brian's early life in Fleet Street as an office boy, which led to him getting involved with writing about the music scene and becoming a press officer for Decca and Pye Records.

Chris said he loved to listen to Brian's stories about life in the pop world of the Sixties when he promoted recording artists such as Bing Crosby, Max Bygraves, and The Rolling Stones.

Ending his tribute Mr Ellison said: "People don't want to sing like Sinatra, they want to live like him. Well, Brian, all I can say is that if more people lived like you, the world would be a happier and better place."

The funeral was attended by 100 friends, encompassing the worlds of journalism, public relations, music, theatre, film and property.

Brian, known to his close friends as Gibbo, died of heart failure on February 4, at the age of 65, after being treated for throat cancer, diagnosed in November.

He retired from his job at The Argus in May and had been looking forward to retirement with his partner Pam at their home in Worthing.

The service was conducted by Father Andrew Mitcham.