FIONA Castle spoke of her sadness following the death of Harry Secombe, who was best man at her wedding nearly 40 years ago.

Harry Secombe and Roy Castle became firm friends after they toured the world together and performed on the same Royal Variety Show bill.

Harry put on a virtuoso display at the wedding, which was held at St James' Anglican Church, in Gerrards Cross, and was the centre of attention, often lapsing into Goon-speak and making constant wise-cracks.

Fiona, 60, of Gerrards Cross, said: "It was a wonderful day but Harry, of course, made it so unforgettable.

"Can you imagine him as the best man? He was all raspberries and yakamakoos and everyone loved him."

Harry and Roy remained firm friends until Roy's death from lung cancer six years ago and Harry led the mourners at Roy's funeral.

Even on that sombre occasion, Harry never lost his sense of fun and joked of Roy's exploits as a record breaker. He told the congregation: "Roy was the best when it came to breaking records. If he had taken up embroidery he would have broken records in that too."

Following the wedding, the two families became inextricably linked, and when Daniel, the Castle's first son was born 34 years ago, Harry's daughter, Jennifer became his godmother.

It was Jennifer who broke the news of Harry's death to Fiona within minutes of his passing away last week.

She said: "No-one could ask for a better friend.