More than 2,000 people packed York Minster to celebrate the life of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley.

His co-host Carol Vorderman led the tributes to Bradford-born Mr Whiteley, who died aged 61 in June following a heart operation.

Miss Vorderman, who struggled to hold back her emotions at one point told the congregation Mr Whiteley, who lived at Burley Woodhead, near Ilkley, was a unique man.

"We loved him not because he was smooth but because he wore truly bad jackets, deafening ties and jokes that were so bad jokes only Richard could tell," she said. "He was the best company you could possibly wish for."

Celebrities from the world of entertainment, including opera diva Lesley Garrett, TV presenter Alan Whicker and comedian Jo Brand, packed the historic cathedral for the service.

A mass choir of 60 choristers from Giggleswick School, which Mr White-ley attended from the age of 13, performed.

Miss Vorderman said: "We are here today to celebrate a unique man. Richard loved every moment of his life, which he lived to the full. He loved every second he was on Countdown he knew he was lucky, most of us don't.

"His Countdown and TV family loved him and he really loved us."

Many who attended wore garish jackets and brightly coloured ties in honour of Mr Whiteley who was famous for his eccentric dress code. As well as family, friends and celebrities, many of those who packed the cathedral were members of the public.

Gyles Brandreth, Sir Paul Fox and comedian Barry Cryer all shared their special memories of Mr Whiteley during the service.

Mr Whiteley's niece Georgina Stewart paid tribute to her beloved uncle. She said she remembered his quick wit, intelligence and sensitivity.

Mr Whicker said: "I worked with him over many years when Yorkshire started. He was always great fun to work with. He was the ideal TV man."