Hundreds of druids gathered yesterday for the funeral of Tim Sebastian, the Arch- Druid of Wiltshire and founder of the Bardic Chair of Bath.The respected figure in druid circles died at the beginning of this month, aged 59.

Among those paying their respects to Mr Sebastian at Haycombe Crematorium, Bath, were Terry Dobney, the Stonekeeper of Avebury, Dreow Bennett, the Arch-Druid of Glastonbury, and Denny Price, Lady Arch-Druid of Glastonbury.

Druids formed an arch with their staffs as the flower-decked coffin carrying Mr Sebastian's body was carried into the crematorium.

Friends said Mr Sebastian, who lived at Widcombe, contributed an enormous amount to modern druidry.

Yesterday's funeral was followed by a wake at the Porter Butt pub in London Road, Bath, where Mr Sebastian was remembered in words, song and music.