Funeral of comedy star Jethro.
Jethro is being laid to rest today (Picture: PA)

The funeral for comedian Jethro brought parts of Devon and Cornwall to a standstill as mourners paid respects to the popular comedian.

The Cornish comic died on December 14 at the age of 73 after contracting Covid-19, with stars including Dawn French and Jim Davidson sharing their heartbreak at his death.

Davidson was seen among those attending the funeral today ahead of the procession, which set off from Jethro’s club in Lewdown, Okehampton, at 10am.

It then travelled through Lifton before going on to Truro where a procession was held at the War Memorial.

The service, at Truro Cathedral, began midday and was conducted by the Reverend Canon Alan Bashforth and Reverend Tim Hodge.

A eulogy was also read out on behalf of Jethro’s family, and speakers included his long-time agent John Miles and stand-up comic Davidson.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Austin/REX/Shutterstock (5624787b) Cornish Comedian Jethro (Geoffery Rowe) Benjamin Lozovsky photoshoot, Lewdon, Devon, Britain - 26 Jan 2016
The icon died last month (Picture: Matt Austin/REX/Shutterstock)
Jim Davidson arrives for the funeral of Cornish comedian Jethro.
Jim Davidson was seen arriving for the service (Picture: PA)
Mourners arrive for the funeral of Cornish comedian Jethro at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall.
Mourners were seen arriving ahead of the funeral on Monday (Picture: PA)

Hymns including The Old Rugged Cross and the traditional song Trelawny were sung, accompanied by Cornish folk band The Oggymen.

For those unable to find a spot inside the cathedral, there were loudspeakers outside to broadcast the service, as photos showed the number of mourners packing out the pews.

The funeral service of Cornish comedian Jethro.
Mourners packed out the cathedral (Picture: PA)
Jethro's coffin is carried into the funeral service.
Jethro’s coffin was seen being carried to the altar (Picture: PA)
The funeral service of Cornish comedian Jethro at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall.
For those unable to find a seat inside, speakers broadcast the service outside (Picture: PA)

Following the funeral, Jethro’s family will have a small private burial as they asked everyone ‘to kindly respect our privacy and allow us to say our final goodbyes on our own’.

There will be no formal wake due to the ongoing pandemic.

Real name Geoffrey Rowe, Jethro built his name in the 1980s and 1990s, only announcing his retirement in 2020 after almost 50 years of touring.

Mourners arrive for the funeral of Cornish comedian Jethro.
Fans of the comic lined the streets to pay respect (Picture: PA)
The car carrying the coffin, with personalised number plate J35TER.
His coffin was carried by a car with the personalised number plate J35TER (Picture: PA)
The car carrying the coffin, with personalised number plate J35TER, arrives for the funeral of Cornish comedian Jethro.
The cortege made its way past mourners (Picture: PA)

When he died, the comic was double jabbed and had had a booster vaccination, the PA news agency understands.

His death was confirmed in a post on his Facebook page in December, which read: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of the well known and popular Cornish comedian Jethro.

‘Tragically Jethro passed away on 14th December 2021 after contracting Covid-19.

‘Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, step daughter Sarah, daughter-in-law Stacey and of course his much loved grandchildren.

‘We ask that you respect our privacy at this very sad time and give us all time to grieve.

‘We will continue to support each other in the knowledge that our lives will never be the same without him.’