THE ashes of Barnsley’s favourite funnyman, Charlie Williams, were interred at Worsbrough cemetery yesterday.

The ceremony, carried out by Fr Ian Wildey, was a family affair far different from the September 12 funeral service which had comedians and other showbusiness celebrities rubbing shoulders with mourners at St Mary’s Parish Church, Barnsley.

Charlie, a former Doncaster Rovers' player who became a comedian, had a final spontaneous standing ovation as the cortege departed for Ardsley Crematorium.

His widow, Janice, told the Chronicle that his ashes will soon by joined with a headstone bearing a carved flower and his famous catchphrase “Me Old Flower.”

It will also bear a message from her along the lines: “Heaven is a happier place for having you there Chas. Sleep peacefully.”

“Charlie loved the cemetery in Worsbrough village,” added Janice, “It is very peaceful and beautiful and although he wanted cremating, I think it is the most appropriate place for his ashes to rest.”

Charlie, 78, died earlier this month having fought against Parkinson's Disease both as a sufferer and, more publicly, as founder president of the Barnsley branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

A collection, taken at his funeral, raised £1,233 for the charity with hopes of more to follow.