TRIBUTES have continued to be paid to the Prestwich punk legend Mark E Smith at his funeral.

The singular musician and front man of The Fall, died at his home on January 24, after a battle with ill health.

Mourners attended a funeral for Mr Smith at Blackley Crematorium in Manchester on Tuesday, before a wake was held at one of his favourite pubs, The Woodthorpe Hotel in Prestwich.

Fans and friends of the rocker took to social media with messages about the service, as tributes have continued to flood in from the music world and beyond.

The writer, broadcaster and DJ Dave Haslam tweeted: "Farewell Mark. Thank you sir, thank you for everything #MarkESmithRIP".

And actor Steve Evets compared the funeral to one of The Fall's gigs, tweeting: "I’ve got to say #MarkESmith ‘s funeral was just like a Fall gig, some strange people there, it was unpredictable and it kicked off. I don’t think he would have had it any other way, we love you Mark".

Brix Smith Start, Mr Smith's ex-wife and former band member, posted a photo of the pair together, adding: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

She had previously paid a moving tribute, tweeting: "Mark defied convention — he was a true artist.

"When I arrived in Manchester — a young American — he introduced me to pickled onions, pubs and punk.

"He was my musical mentor, my cultural anchor, and my first love.

"I feel deeply saddened by his passing, but I feel greater joy for having shared his journey.

"He never once compromised, how many other can leave this life with such a singularity of vision.

""Check the guy's track record, he's not appreciated." Now at last he is..."

Cherry Red Records, The Fall's label since 2011, also posted on the band's official Facebook page: "Today we are remembering Mark E Smith - The Fall’s inimitable front man and principal songwriter who sadly passed away in January.

"We were lucky enough to represent and release The Fall’s music from 2011 onwards and everyone here at Cherry Red would like to pay tribute to one of our most unique, creative and uncompromising artists.

"It was a pleasure and privilege to be able to work with Mark over the past seven years, and his talent, humour and music will be sadly missed by us all."

The Fall formed in Prestwich in 1976, and would go on to release 32 albums with Mr Smith at the helm.

The band had been forced to cancel several tour dates in recent months, due to Mr Smith's ill health.