TO the strains of Shirley Bassey's 'The Party's Over', Macclesfield's much-loved TV star Johnny Maxfield finally 'called it a day'.

It was one of the classics the actor used on stage to finish a show - it was chosen as a fitting finale to his life.

Amid the 200 mourners who had gathered to bid farewell was his long-lost co-star Adam Sunderland - the actor who, along with his screen granddad, stole the hearts of the nation way back in the Seventies.

Johnny's family had prayed that the man, who last starred as a small boy in a series of Heinz Soup TV commercials, would be tracked down - and through the theatrical agent network he was.

Currently with a touring company, Adam took time off to join fellow mourners at St Paul's Church where he was welcomed with open arms.

He was too distressed to go to the crematorium.

But earlier at the service after bowing towards the coffin before and after addressing family and friends from the pulpit, Adam talked about his friendship with Johnny Maxfield - real name Heywood.

He said: "Johnny and I shared an incredible experience - an experience which influenced the rest of my life.

"A chemistry happened between us. We had a brilliant time. It was a life-changing experience."

Adam said: "Sadly, Johnny and I lost contact over the last few years, and I regret that, but that's life - we move on to different pastures new.

"But Johnny has always been very close to me and in my thoughts."

TV's King of Cult commercials Johnny Maxfield would have loved the choice of the song 'The Party's Over'.

It was part of his extensive repertoire before he became too ill to entertain,

But the lament clearly revived too many memories for many who simply dissolved into tears as it was played.

Johnny's funeral was a celebration of his life - a long and eventful time highlighted by his own devoted sons, Trevor and David.

Trevor, 48, said Johnny excelled as a father, a grandfather, and an artist. "Dad had a great ability to make people laugh. He had the ability to make friends easily, and keep them," he said.

"He is not lost to us. He is in our hearts."

This was followed by a short tribute by 47-year-old David, who read only, 'Footprints' - a touching poem favoured by his grieving mother Brenda.

After the service, conducted by Rev John Roskilly, the coffin was solemnly marched out of St Paul's to yet another of Johnny's personal favourites - 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra.

At the front of the funeral procession, a colourful rectangular wreath reminded all of Johnny's days as Alfred Heywood, the train driver and enthusiast.

For the wreath showed a bright red steam engine ablaze with carnations, on a background of white chrysanthemums.

Amongst those watching the procession arriving at the crematorium were a handful of Johnny's former British Rail colleagues, and David Buxton, of the Severn Valley Railway, for which Johnny had a passion.

"He used to give comical talks to us," said David. "He had a joke for every occasion."

Also paying their respects were original members of MAVA - the Macclesfield Amateur Variety Artists. They included Kevin Whittaker, Alan Baker, Carol Baker, Katie Hodson, Joan Bailey, and Ken Whittaker.

Johnny, who tragically died of a heart attack two weeks ago, left behind three grandchildren, Martyn, 22, Lucy, 19, and Amy, 16.