Lining the streets of the northern town in their droves, locals from where he grew up made reference to the broadcaster’s love of dogs on Thursday.
The star’s funeral was held in Kent where he lived before his death with his husband Andre Portasio.
Despite being miles from the procession, Merseyside residents wanted O’Grady to know he would be missed and belt out the tune of a classic song in his honour.
In a video uploaded to Twitter by Wirral Globe reporter Rebecca McGrath, members of the public could be seen dancing around the streets singing along to Baha Men’s Who Let The Dogs Out?
As they celebrated his life, many also brought along their own pups to pay tribute to the keen dog lover and host of Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Dedicated fans of the late star screamed the lyrics and replaced the signature refrain of ‘who? who? who?’ with Paul in his memory.
At the opposite end of the country, hundreds of well-wishers began lining the streets of the village where O’Grady lived ahead of the funeral procession.
The streets of Aldington in Kent were thronged with members of the public who had come out to pay their respects to the star.
His private funeral service was held at St Rumwold’s Parish Church in the village of Bonnington and was attended by the likes of LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and TV presenter Gaby Roslin.
Personal notes from O’Grady’s family were left outside the church attached to wreaths of lilies ahead of the service.
A note from his daughter Sharyn Mousley read: ‘Gongan, we miss you so much, Abel and Halo will never forget you. Your little teddy is with you. I love you.’
Meanwhile, a note from his ‘heartbroken’ sister Sheila, Pete and Helen said: ‘Dear Paul, beloved and loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Will love, remember and miss you forever. Rest in peace.’
A dog from Battersea Dogs And Cats Home who met the Queen Consort and the star was welcoming arrivals at the entertainer’s funeral.
Following the arrival of the cortege at the church, the Salvation Army Band played songs such as Tomorrow from the musical Annie – in which O’Grady was starring in a touring production at the time of his death.
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MORE : Paul O’Grady fans share pictures of their dogs paying homage on the day of his funeral
MORE : Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio leads celebrity mourners Ronnie Wood, Jo Brand and Cheryl Fergison at beloved entertainer’s funeral in Kent after death aged 67
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