Private memorial for actor Reeve

Reeve's most recent directorial project will continue

About 100 family and friends have remembered actor Christopher Reeve at a private ceremony at his New York home.

Reeve, who became paralysed after a riding accident in 1995, died of heart failure in hospital in New York on Sunday, at the age of 52.

"The Reeve family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support shown to them," said spokesman Wesley Combs.

Plans for a larger memorial service for Reeve, a campaigner for spinal cord research, will be announced next week.

"It is clear that Christopher Reeve has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world and that is the legacy he leaves behind," added Mr Combs.

Tokens of mourning were placed around Reeve's star and plaque, etched onto the pavement of Los Angeles's Hollywood Boulevard, following the news of the Superman star's death.

Animated film

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the feature film that Reeve was directing prior to his death will go ahead.

It is clear that Christopher Reeve has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world Wesley Combs, family spokesman

The animated movie Yankee Irving follows a young baseball player and his relationship with his father.

The production had been overseen by Reeve, via video link, from his home in Westchester, New York for the past year.

The actor previously described the project as "captivating, with the perfect blend of warmth and wit".

The movie is scheduled for release in 2006.

Worldwide star

Reeve broke his neck in May 1995 when he was thrown from his horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia.

At the time, he was a worldwide star for having played the lead role in Superman in 1978 and its three sequels.

As a campaigner, he was to be seen regularly at the US Congress, lobbying for better funding.

Reeve died after suffering a heart attack and falling into a coma at his home. He was being treated for an infection caused by a bedsore.

His family has asked that any donations should be made to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, based in New Jersey.