FRIENDS, relatives and former theatre stars paid emotional tributes, as legendary York director Donald Bodley took his final bow.

Mr Bodley was credited with bringing a number of big names to the city, and helped set Coronation Street's Jean Alexander on the road to stardom.

He became director of York Theatre Royal in 1958 after eight years with the Southport Repertory Company, and oversaw the theatre's revival and refurbishment.

At his funeral at York Crematorium yesterday, Ms Alexander praised her former mentor.

"If you were prepared to learn from Donald you would learn everything, because he was absolutely tireless," she said.

Ms Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, said there was a great contrast between Mr Bodley's work persona and his personal style.

"We were all scared to death of him when we were working, but once we were out of the theatre he was a great person and a great joker."

Mr Bodley's coffin was brought into the chapel, accompanied by The Lark Ascending, by Vaughan Williams.

The service then took the format of a meeting of The Society of Friends, or Quakers. After opening words from society elders Barbara Windle and Cathy Holman, members of the congregation were invited to stand and give their own tributes to Mr Bodley.

One mourner said: "Donald was always reaching out; was always adventuring; was always trying new things, experimenting and going forward. The time had clearly come when his frail, old body was not the right vehicle for his seeking, challenging mind.

Ms Windle had described Mr Bodley as "a person greatly gifted, not least in knowing from a very early age what he wanted to do."

She said he had been entertaining crowds in working men's clubs from as young as 14.

She added: "Donald has always been there for his family, right to the end. Picturing him, I have a sense of phenomenal vitality and creativity. He was a great theatre director and a loving family man."

Mr Bodley's sister, Patricia, said: "He had a real caring nature and loving way, and he never lost that."

She recalled how, when her brother was just breaking through into theatre, he used to bring home out-of-work actors, offering them a place to stay.

The service ended with a selection of Fred Astaire classics: Puttin' On The Ritz, Crazy Feet, Night And Day, and Cheek To Cheek.

Mr Bodley died last week aged 82.