THE funeral of the Oxford-born professor Stephen Hawking has been held in a church in Cambridge.

The renowned British physicist died peacefully at his home on March 14 at the age of 76.

The cosmologist had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease in his 20s.

Saturday's private funeral service at the University Church of St Mary the Great was attended by family, invited friends and colleagues.

The church, which can seat up to 1,200 people, is near to Gonville and Caius College, where Prof Hawking was a fellow for 52 years.

Prof Hawking's coffin was carried by six porters from the college, all in traditional uniform including bowler hats.

Many porters at the college knew Prof Hawking and provided support when he visited for dinners and other events, and they were asked by his family to be pallbearers.

Head porter Russ Holmes, wearing his formal college uniform of top hat and tails, walked ahead of the coffin as it was carried into the church.

In a statement, Prof Hawking's children Lucy, Robert and Tim said: "On behalf of our whole family we want to express our huge gratitude to all the wonderful tributes to our father and to those who have sent us messages of condolence."

Prof Hawking's ashes will be interred close to the remains of Sir Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey on June 15.

A book of condolence for Prof Hawking remains open at Gonville and Caius College, and an online book has also been set up.