Stars gather for Sir Harry tribute

Swansea had no memorial to the star

Relatives and friends of the late Sir Harry Secombe are meeting in his home city for a memorial service three years after his death.

Celebrities who worked closely with him during his career will also take part in the tribute.

They will include Eric Sykes, Wyn Calvin, Stan Stennett, Philip Madoc, and Ruth Madoc.

A memorial service is being held in the church where the comedian, singer and TV presenter first performed as a young chorister, and a plaque will be unveiled outside the building.

St Thomas' Parish Church was not only Sir Harry's local church - it was also where, as a young chorister, he began his outstanding singing career.

The plaque - which will be consecrated by the Rt Rev Anthony Pierce, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon - will be the first permanent tribute to him in Swansea.

Morriston Orpheus Welsh Male Voice Choir, which appeared with Sir Harry in his 'Highway TV series, will take part in the service.

Afterwards, family, friends, and celebrity colleagues will attend a charity lunch in honour of the former Goon.

Crowds attended Sir Harry's funeral

Sir Harry's brother Fred, who sang alongside the comic at the church in the Eastside area of the city, said he was pleased the service was being held there.

"He was quite a character," he told BBC News Online.

"He was also a very good chorister. He came into the choir quite young and was there until his voice broke.

"It was just boys at the time - girls in a choir were unheard of."

Following Sir Harry's death in April 2001 a thanksgiving service was held at Westminster Abbey with Prince Charles and stars including Ronnie Corbett, Eric Sykes, Jimmy Tarbuck and Michael Parkinson paying their respects.

At the time it was decided to hold a smaller tribute to him in Swansea, but organiser David Graham, of the Heritage Foundation, said it had taken time to find a suitable date.

It also follows a campaign by the city's evening paper for a long-lasting tribute to Sir Harry in Swansea.

Born in St Thomas in 1921, Sir Harry became a household name after teaming up with Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine to create the Goon Show.

His film appearances included the musical Oliver and he had a number two hit single with If I Ruled the World.

In 1981 he was awarded a knighthood, and in 1983 he began filming the religious television series Highway which he presented for more than a decade.