THE sun shone for Tommy Mundon's funeral yesterday (Wednesday) as family, friends and stars from showbusiness bade farewell to the great Hasbury comic.

It was standing room only at Hasbury Methodist Church for the memorial service which followed a private funeral at Stourbridge Crematorium.

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, who hired his friend Tommy to perform at his 60th birthday bash, was among the mourners along with singer Bev Pegg and comedy legends Alan "Aynuk" Smith and Marlene Watson.

The theme was "spread a little happiness as you go by" with mourners dressing in colourful clothes and Tommy's grandchildren entered the church carrying giant sunflowers.

Family friend Mel Thomas spoke at length during the service about Tommy's talent and kindness.

He said: "A lot of stand up comedians are very serious off stage but Tommy was not like that.

"He lived for spontaneity and was just as funny off stage as he was on and loved making people laugh."

He added: "Tommy was a great performer but most of all he was a great human being, he was a very kind and caring man who was very loyal to his family."

The comedian is survived by his wife of 42 years Val, daughter Caroline and three grandchildren, Daniel, nine, Lucy, seven, and 18-month-old William.

Mr Thomas, who also regaled the audience with tales of Tommy's triumphs and success, added: "His comedy came out of his kindness and was not mean spirited.

"You knew when Tommy was coming because he was always preceded by laughter."

Tommy began his showbiz career telling jokes at fundraising shows for the Methodist church before moving on to perform in clubs across the country. Despite his success, which earned him a spot on Blackpool's Walk of Stars, he never moved out of Hasbury and continued to work as a lorry driver for Dudley Council.

Fellow Black Country legend Marlene Watson spoke about Tommy and Tony Billingham and Mike Sullivan performed a medley of hits as a tribute to the comedian during the service.

Friend and showbusiness legend Ken Dodd, aged 86, could not attend the funeral but sent his condolences to Tommy's widow Val.

He said: "Tommy was a Black Country comedy legend who will be sadly missed."