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Thursday, 6 January, 2000, 07:44 GMT

Family gathers for Q's funeral

Family and friends of James Bond legend Desmond Llewelyn are gathering to pay their final respects at his funeral.

Mr Llewelyn, who played eccentric inventor Q opposite 007 in all but two Bond films, was killed in a head-on car crash last month.

He was on his way to sign copies of his biography.

The funeral service for the 85-year-old actor, who handed over his unique role to John Cleese in the most recent 007 adventure The World Is Not Enough, will be held at St Mary's Church in Battle, East Sussex, at 1430GMT.

It was the church the Welsh-born actor often visited from his home in nearby Bexhill.

The service will be followed by a private cremation.

Head-on crash

Mr Llewelyn's son Ivor, 50, also of Bexhill, said: "It will be primarily a local service for family. There may be some members of the production crew from the films present.

"But bigger names are expected at a memorial service in London later this year although there is a remote possibility some may come."

Mr 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 was helping to arrange the memorial service, expected to be held in March.

Among those to be invited are all five 007 stars, Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan.

Related to this story:
Bond lovers mourn Q (20 Dec 99 | UK)
Private tragedy of 007 eccentric (19 Dec 99 | Entertainment)
Four decades of Bondage (19 Nov 99 | Shaken Not Stirred)
Old Bonds voted best (01 Dec 99 | Entertainment)

Internet Links: The James Bond International Fan Club The World is Not Enough
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