Paul Shane funeral: Tributes paid to Hi-de-Hi actor in Rotherham Hundreds of people gathered at Rotherham Minster for final farewell Actor Paul Shane died at the age of 72 following a short illness Flowers spelt out 'Bye-de-Bye' in honour of his role in hit sitcom Flowers spelt out the tribute 'Bye-de-Bye' today at the funeral of actor and comedian Paul Shane. Hundreds of people stood in bright sunshine outside Rotherham Minster as the Hi-de-Hi! star's coffin was carried inside. Other well known faces from the hit 80s sitcom joined Shane's family behind the pallbearers, including Su Pollard, Jeffrey Holland and Ruth Madoc. Bye-de-bye: A floral tribute in the hearse carrying actor Paul Shane alluded to his Hi-De-Hi days His funeral took place today at Rotherham Minster in South Yorkshire Paul Shane is best known for being on Hi-de-Hi! (left). Pictured (right) is an order of service for his funeral Pollard said to the crowd: 'Thanks for coming. He would have been so pleased. Shane died at the age of 72 following a short illness a fortnight ago.There was applause in Rotherham town centre after the cortege arrived this afternoon with a police escort. Yellow and white flowers in the side window of the hearse spelt out 'Bye-de-Bye'. Much-loved character: Mr Shane rose to fame playing Ted Bovis in the classic comedy, which ran from 1980 to 1988 Linda Kremer, the actor's agent for 15 years, said following his death: 'Paul Shane was a consummate professional, a true gentleman, a good friend, and a joy to work with. 'He didn't suffer fools, always maintained his sense of humour, never stinted on the time he gave to his fans. He lightened my life and I'll miss him enormously.' Shane was a coal miner before starting out as a cabaret act touring working men's clubs in the 1960s. As well as Hi-di-Hi!, in which he played holiday camp host Ted Bovis, he starred in the TV series You Rang M'Lord and Oh, Dr Beeching! He also appeared in Holby City, Doctors, Coronation Street and A Touch of Frost. He is survived by three daughters and six grandchildren. With a bright pink floral head band, fellow Hi-de-Hi! actor Sue Pollard certainly got dressed up for the occasion There was applause in Rotherham town centre after the cortege arrived this afternoon with a police escort Trademark: The clothes the actor wore in his most famous role as Ted Bovis were on display inside Rotherham Minster as the funeral service took place