Partner of comedian Howerd dies

Dennis Heymer, the partner and manager of comedian Frankie Howerd, has died, his carer has confirmed.

Mr Heymer, 80, died at the home he once shared with the comic near Axbridge, Somerset, on 15 May.

He was a waiter when he met Mr Howerd in 1955, when homosexuality was still illegal. A relationship began which lasted until the comic's death in 1992.

A private funeral service is to be held on Thursday. A second service will take place in a village church in Weare.

Mr Heymer's ashes will be taken between the two services in a replica ancient Egyptian sarcophagus.

Mr Heymer and the comedian both believed they had lived past lives in Ancient Egypt.

Their relationship featured in a BBC Four drama in 2008, Frankie Howerd: Rather You Than Me - with the comedian played by David Walliams and Rafe Spall as Mr Heymer.