Manchester bomb victim Martyn Hett's funeral attended by Corrie stars

Manchester bombing victim Martyn Hett's "rollercoaster" life has been celebrated by stars, family and friends at his funeral.

The 29-year-old PR boss' coffin was adorned with a photo of his beloved cat, Emily Bishop, along with pictures of Coronation Street's cast and sign.

Mr Hett was a 'superfan' of the soap - he even had a tattoo of Weatherfield stalwart Deirdre Barlow on his leg.

Stars from the show Helen Worth, Jennie McAlpine, Kym Marsh, Antony Cotton and Faye Brookes and producer Kate Oates attended the service.

His decorated coffin was taken to Stockport Town Hall for the service in a white carriage pulled by grey horses wearing white feathers.

The service, attended by around 600 people, had to be streamed on a large screen outside the hall for those unable to get in.

It was all planned according to Mr Hett's wishes - with everyone being told to wear something "black and fabulous".

The song Beautiful by Mariah Carey, who Mr Hett was a huge fan of, played as his coffin entered the town hall.

Carey even sent a video message in which she said she knew Mr Hett "was shining down on us from heaven".

She said she was "so happy" to have met Mr Hett and that she was "honoured to have played a strong role in his life".

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus welcomed mourners, saying Mr Hett "was just so lovely and made such an impact on my life".

The Scottish singer first met Mr Hett on social media and she said she would "never forget" him. He once spent more than 24 hours on a coach to travel to see her in concert.

Video messages from Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and comedian Jason Manford were also played at the service

Grimshaw, who met Mr Hett on Twitter, called him "a genuine inspiration on how to live your life".

Manford said "the world had been robbed of a potential superstar" and said that Mr Hett had touched many people's lives.

Mr Hett had been a popular figure on social media and the hashtag #bemoremartyn was trending on Twitter after his funeral started and later into the day.

Mr Hett's dad Paul gave a tribute to his son, saying: "I would describe Martyn's life as one long rollercoaster ride. You never knew where it would take you or what was round that corner, but you couldn't wait for it to happen.

"He was inspirational and this in turn inspired everyone around him.

"His comic timing was perfect. He would have gone on to achieve the most amazing things, of that we have no doubt.

"In a very nice way, Martyn loved being in the limelight and the centre of attention. He would be loving every minute of this fantastic celebration of his life."

Mr Hett was one of 22 victims killed when a terrorist bombed Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on 22 May.

At the funeral, Mr Hett's stepfather, Stuart Murray, read a letter written by a stranger who saw Mr Hett at the concert and described him entertaining the stands by dancing to a Beyonce song as they waited for the show to start.

Grande's song One Last Time - the final song played at the concert before the attack - was played as Mr Hett's coffin was carried out of the hall.