James Bond legend Desmond Llewelyn has been remembered by friends, family and fans at his funeral near his home in Bexhill, East Sussex.

Llewelyn, 85, who played eccentric inventor Q opposite 007 in all but two Bond films, was killed in a head-on car crash last month whilst on his way to sign copies of his biography.

Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets to see Llewelyn's coffin, covered in wreaths of mainly white lilies, travel from the actor's home town to the private service at St Mary the Virgin church in nearby Battle.

Among those at the service were two of Llewelyn's fellow actors from the latest Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. Samantha Bond - the new Miss Moneypenny - and Colin Salmon - who played Charles Robinson - joined Llewelyn's close acquaintances at the church.

Barbara Broccoli, the daughter of Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, also attended. The service was followed by a private cremation at Hastings Crematorium.

Popular character

Llewelyn, as the caustic gadget-minded Q, featured in all but two of the Bond films. He was joined by John Cleese, who played his assistant, in The World Is Not Enough.

With a 30-year history in the classic spy movies he had become one of its institutions. He was immensely popular with both Bond fans and those who knew him closely.

During the funeral, passages were read by Llewelyn's two sons Ivor, 50, and Justin, 45. His wife Pamela, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, was not at the service.

A close friend of Mr Llewelyn, the Right Reverend John Duggan, paid tribute to the actor.

He said: "Desmond was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.

"When he was not at work as an actor, he would always be found digging in the garden or cutting hedges.

"He was also a wonderful host and gave wonderful parties. He was a dear friend and it is a tremendous honour for me to speak on this occasion."



Head-on crash

Llewelyn was killed on the A27 at Firle, near Lewes, East Sussex, on 19 December while on his way to sign copies of his biography at Drusillas Zoo Park, Alfriston.

He was airlifted to Eastbourne District General Hospital after being cut free from the wreckage of his Renault Megane following a collision with a Fiat Brava.

He died three hours later of massive internal injuries.

James Bond production company Eon is helping to arrange a memorial service, for the actor, which is expected to be held in March.