Cilla Black's funeral service has been held in Liverpool, where Cliff Richard sang one of his songs in tribute to his "true and precious friend".

The entertainer's funeral mass took place in the church where her marriage to husband Bobby Willis was blessed in 1969.

Black died after hitting her head in a fall at her villa in Spain on August 1st.

The ceremony at St Mary's Church opened with the hymn 'All Things Bright And Beautiful' before Richard gave a eulogy where he said he "cannot think of Cilla in the past tense".

"I feel really privileged that I met her and I feel really privileged to have known her as a friend. She had the determination, and of course, above all, she had the gift".

He spoke of her wit and their time together in Barbados.

To the laughter of the congregation he described driving the 'Blind Date' host in the Caribbean: "She slid out of the car...and that’s when I realised, she did have beautiful legs".

He ended his speech by saying: "I know all of our souls will be reunited together - Cilla, this is just a hiccup in our relationship".

He then sang a song called 'Faithful One', which included lyrics about a "true and precious friend".

Black's sons Robert and Ben Willis also took to the lectern to pay tribute to their mother who "celebrated life in the living of it".

Robert spoke of the entertainer being reunited with her late, much loved husband.

"When he died, life for her was never as sweet. Today, she has returned home. She was indeed a daughter of Liverpool. Now, the circle is complete".

Cilla's son Ben dedicated a poem to his mum.

Actor Christopher Biggins read a passage from the Bible before saying: "We will always love you, Cilla".

Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool Thomas Williams spoke of Black's faith, love for her family and "wow factor" before inviting comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, friends with the star since he was 15, to lead the prayers.

Tarbuck described Black as "Liverpool's Cinderella" and the "First Lady of showbusiness. To be born a lady is an accident, to die one is an achievement," he added.

'Amazing Grace' was sung as the Eucharist was taken.

Black's number one hit 'Anyone Who Had A Heart' was played as the congregation received communion.

Other celebrities attending included Paul O'Grady, Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Carol Vorderman.

Paul O'Grady at the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Liverpool | Image: Ray Tang/REX Shutterstock / PA Wire/Press Association Images

O'Grady first met Black on 'Parkinson' and, in the final tribute, said he always thought she was "indestructible".

He reminisced about how he broke his nose in the singer's jacuzzi in Barbados and would take her to bars and clubs in New York.

And in a small slip-up he said: "It's right that she's come home because she was a true daughter of London, er, of Liverpool! Of Liverpool! Sorry Cilla!"

"Ta-ra girl, I'll see you on life's highway," he added.

His reading also got some laughs.

Black's coffin was carried out of the church to The Beatles' 'Long And Winding Road' and the applause of the congregation.

Speaking outside the church, singer Tom Jones said she "always had the common touch".

A message from Paul McCartney read: "All our love to our darlin' Cilla and family. The McCartney family." And a message from Ringo Starr read: "Cilla, 'peace and love' Ringo and Barbara".

Entertainer Des O'Connor left flowers with a note that read: "Without your warmth and your smile the world is a sadder place. Thank you for the good times".