(Source: Chris Osuh/MEN)

Former bandmates of 70s pop star Leroy Smith were among family and friends who gathered to pay their respect at his funeral.

The service for the Sweet Sensation keyboardist took place at Our Lady's Church, on the Alexandra Park estate, where the band's number 1 hit 'Sad Sweet Dreamer' was played as family and friends filed in.

A wreath spelling out the name Leroy and a flower arrangement in the shape of a keyboard were placed alongside the coffin.

Leroy's son, Junior, read the eulogy at the service, which was led by Father Pat Deegan.

Leroy's old friend Pip Daye, 64, gave a Bible reading in Leroy's honour.

One floral tribute said, 'Taken away from us so suddenly, but you were sensational, RIP Lesley'.

Another, from his estranged daughter Ann Marie, read, 'It pains me knowing that I never got the chance to see you before you passed away and I never got the chance to truly know you'.

Former colleague Junior Daye was among those saying goodbye.

The cortege went on to Southern Cemetery and was followed by a wake at the Big Western pub, in Moss Side.

Sweet Sensation was formed in south Manchester and found fame after appearing on ITV's talent show New Faces.

Regarded as Britain's answer to the Jackson Five, they enjoyed a Number One hit with Sad Sweet Dreamer in 1974, and Top Twenty hit Purely by Coincidence a few months later.

They remain one of the most successful acts to come from Manchester and among the earliest black British pop stars.

Leroy's death has sparked a revival of interest in the band who are fondly remembered in the city and by pop fans all over the world.

Celebrity fans include radio DJ and recent Big Brother contestant Terry Christian, who said: "I remember them being on New Faces when I was growing up in Brooks Bar. There was a massive buzz around Moss Side, Whalley Range and Old Trafford because lads who would be seen around in the area everyday had made it.

"They had a massive impact but the management did not make enough of their appeal to teenagers and had them playing in over-21s 'chicken in a basket' clubs which paid well but didn't help their chart prospects.

"It's annoying to me when they get left out of histories of black British music and don't get proper recognition."