HUNDREDS of mourners have gathered to bid farewell to a 1960s famous pop singer.

More than 250 people attended St Mary's Church in St Mary's Road, Swanley, to pay tribute to Crispian St Peters after he died aged 71 on June 8 at his home in Swanley following a series of illnesses.

Well-wishers went onto Swanley Junction Working Men's Club after the burial for a wake, where the musician had played on numerous occasions.

Mr St Peters' ex-partner and carer Margaret Rose Kitterhing, who organised the funeral, says she will remember him as “the most wonderful, talented man.”

The 62-year-old said: “He was a very kind, gentle person. He was shy, loving, and so so generous.”

Mr St Peters, otherwise know as Robin Peter Smith, began his career in the 1950s with a number of local bands before signing to record label Decca in 1965 to release hit tunes Pied Piper and You Were On My Mind.

Mike Ford, who played in the band Old Crow with Mr Peters on and off for 25 years, remembers him as a “life long friend.”

The 69-year-old said: “We met at primary school in 1946 and remained friends ever since. He really took me under his wing.

“He was a true artist - I would count him among the Beethovens, the Picassos of the world.

“He was just born with it and was not fully recognised for his talent.”