THEY gathered to say a sad farewell and celebrate the life of outstanding Kent artist John Ward in the ancient church where his works live on for all to admire.

It was entirely fitting that, surrounded by family and friends, he was laid to rest in the beautiful, isolated churchyard beside the 12th century church of St Cosmos and St Damian at Challock that was so close to his heart.

It was here during the mid 1950s, with his artist friend Gordon Davies, that Mr Ward painted the remarkable mural in the Chancel of the Gospel story while living in the sexton's hut in the churchyard and cooking over an open fire.

Later, for the Millennium, the pair painted the North Wall with a modern interpretation of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem showing his riding into Challock using village people and annual events, birds, trees, flowers and animals of the local countryside.

The great and the good from both Kent and far further afield packed the church for the service conducted by his son-in-law the Rev James Ramsay from London, assisted by the Vicar, the Rev Chris Duncan.

Readings were given by broadcaster Peter Williams on John Ward’s own account of the paining of the Challock murals, and daughter-in-law Alison Ward on Venice.

In his address journalist Mike Field, a friend and neighbour at Bilting, stressed he was far greater than just his national profile as a painter for the Royal family with close friendships with the late Queen Mother and Prince Charles, to whom he gave painting lessons.

Mr Field said: "His legacy to the local community cannot be measured. With his wife and children, they were a great team helping so many ranging from our village church at Godmersham to the Stour Music festival that was hatched by John and famous counter-tenor Alfred Deller.

"With his wife and children they were a great team that found it easy to make friendships, as he did with those he worked with like H E Bates, Norman Parkinson and Joyce Grenville."

Another actress Joanna Lumley, who modelled for him while living in the village, became another firm friend and she was among the mourners with her conductor husband Stephen Barlow.

Vyvyan Harmsworth represented the Prince of Wales and Deputy Lieutenant Edwin Boorman represented the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett.

Among the many famous faces there from the world of art were London Gallery owner Rupert Mass, an expert on TV's Antiques Road Show.

He was joined by Sir Michael Roberts, Director of the Queen’s Collection and his wife Jane, daughter of Lady Aldington, who is keeper of the Royal Library and curator of the print room at Windsor Castle.