Millions will remember her as Nana Moon, the sparky and loveable granny to Alfie and Spencer in East- Enders.

But to her real-life friends and family, Hilda Braid was an award-winning actress as much revered for her many serious stage performances as her television work. She was also a Royal Variety favourite who appeared in the 1963 show with the Beatles.

In her personal life she was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend and neighbour who touched everyone she met with her sense of humour, kindness and cheery smile, She died on November 6 at Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital, aged 78.

Yesterday, Hilda Braid was given a starstudded send-off at Brighton's Woodvale Crematorium.

Fans gathered in the street to watch her funeral cortège, complete with white horses, a white coffin and flowers spelling "Nana".

At the end of the service, the theme tune from EastEnders was played.

The procession began at Eaton Manor in The Drive, Hove, where Hilda had stayed in her final years.

More than 100 mourners, including actress June Brown, who played Dot Cotton in East- Enders, journeyed to the service.

Hilda became famous for appearances in shows such as Citizen Smith, Casualty and Man About The House before appearing in EastEnders from 2002 to 2005.

She moved to Fairdene Lodge nursing home in Walsingham Road, Hove, just over a year ago after developing Alzheimer's.

Nosi Ncube, Hilda's carer at Fairdene, said: "She was a lovely lady. She was always nice to the staff and the other residents."