THE catchphrase ''It's Crackerjack'' has was called out by hundreds of mourners during the church funeral of Hampshire DJ Ed ''Stewpot'' Stewart.

Celebrities including Mike Read, Carry On actress Anita Harris, Bobby Davro, John Virgo and DJ Adrian Juste were among those who attended the service for the former DJ and Crackerjack presenter who lived in New Milton.

The 74-year-old father of two, below, who had four grandchildren, died on January 9 after suffering a stroke.

Daily Echo:

Mark Carolan, the husband of Stewart's daughter Francesca, led the mourners at St Peter's Church in Bournemouth, with a rendition of the presenter's catchphrase: ''It's Friday, it's five to five, it's Crackerjack!''

He added: ''Simple words that many millions remember him by, but a select few remember him for so much more than that, how positive he was about everything in life.''

Reading a eulogy from the family, Mr Carolan added: ''You are a true legend, your legacy will live on, your passion and love now lives on through all your grandchildren.''

His 10-year-old grand-daughter Kenza Carolan also paid tribute to Stewart and said: ''He would make us laugh, life was an adventure every day.''

There was also a valediction by the Grand Order of the Water Rats - an entertainment industry fraternity - of which Stewart was a member.

The service began with the song Morningtown Ride by The Seekers and ended with the congregation singing You'll Never Walk Alone, during which someone called out Stewart's signature sign-off, ''Byeee!'' as the coffin was carried out.

Speaking after the service, his sister, Sue Mainwaring, said: ''It was brilliant, I just can't believe how many people were there. It was such a shock he had that massive stroke.

''People would say he was very mean but he bought me my first horse, he's not mean. He loved being in the limelight, he was very loyal to his family.''

Stewart was one of the first presenters on Radio 1 when it was launched in 1967. The following year, he began presenting children's show Junior Choice, which became his trademark radio show.

On television, Devon-born Stewart was best known for children's favourite Crackerjack. He hosted the show from 1973 to 1979.

Stewart presented a Christmas edition of Junior Choice for BBC Radio 2 in 2015 and was credited with discovering Noel Edmonds.