Fans gathering for Gately funeral

Fans have begun to gather to pay their respects ahead of the funeral of former Boyzone star Stephen Gately.

His funeral is to take place at St Laurence O’Toole’s Church in Dublin at midday. His four former bandmates are expected to sing at the service.

Fans from as far afield as Taiwan were among the crowds and many people had already laid flowers outside the church.

“I want to say my final goodbye,” said Wendy Lee, who had spent £1000 travelling from Taiwan, BBC News reports.

“I am absolutely devastated.”

Some fans had camped outside the church, where neighbours who lived opposite had provided pillows and cups of tea.

Radio DJ Alan Hunter was among those gathered on Saturday morning.