MORE than 850 people gathered at Exeter Cathedral last Saturday to pay their respects to Tony Beard, better known as The Wag from Widecombe.

The BBC Radio Devon broadcasting and television legend died aged 79 in January last year.

He had fought bladder cancer since January 2015 and continued, where possible, his regular Sunday Request programme on BBC Radio Devon despite his illness.

Moving tributes were paid to Tony from family, BBC work colleagues and friends at a Service of Thanksgiving for his life, which also saw his grandchildren perform a rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird”.

The bells at the cathedral were rung to welcome people to the service and inside, a welcome was provided with music by the Dartmoor Pixie Band and the John Shillito Band.

The service, conducted by the Rev Canon Victoria Thurtell, included a number of hymns, including “We Plough the Fields and Scatter” and “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer”, and moving tributes by BBC Radio Devon presenters Matt Woodley and Pippa Quelch, Dartmoor National Park ranger Rob Steemson, tributes from Margaret Phipps from Widecombe Fair, farm neighbour Lloyd Mortimore and there was a performance of “The Widecombe Carol” by The Widecombe Singers.

Other tributes were by Peter Rennells from Widecombe History Group, Dr Todd Gray from the Devonshire Association and by members of Tony’s family.

Prayers were led by the Rev Geoffrey Fenton, team vicar, Moorland Benefice.

In addition to presenting radio programmes for more than 35 years, Tony Beard was also a comedian, entertainer, former milkman and farmer and family man.

Jason Rice, a member of the Dartmoor Pixie Band and chairman of the Dartmoor Folk Festival Association, said on social media: “Such a lovely service for a wonderful man.

“I worked with him once a year at the Dartmoor Folk Festival and for me it was always the highlight of my weekend. Well done to all involved and to Tony’s family for organising such a fitting occasion.”

Christabel White said: “Such a lovely service to remember such an amazing man. Tony Beard will be sorely missed, especially at the Dartmoor Folk Festival.”

Matt Woodley said the service couldn’t have gone better. He said: “Lovely service and great emotional and entertaining tributes to a perfect gent.

“As Tony Beard’s son said to me, ‘it’s a shame Dad can’t be here cos he would’ve loved it.”

Bill Murray said Tony was well-known for his “wonderful wit and humour and lifetime service to Devonshire and the Dartmoor and farming communities.”

A retiring collection was taken for The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Cancer Research UK.

Excerpts from the service were played on the Sunday Request Show the following day.

Alan Quick