The actress passed away in January (15), aged 60, after taking a leave of absence from the hit TV show to battle cancer.

She was remembered at a memorial service at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday which was attended by colleagues including William 'Bill' Roache, who played her onscreen husband and worked with her for more than 40 years.

Child actress Elle Mulvaney, 12, who plays Kirkbride's onscreen granddaughter, gave an emotional tribute during the service, telling the congregation, "Today as I stand here, I'm not just remembering my on screen grandma. I'm also remembering my friend. Annie was caring, lovable and funny... Annie is now one of God's many angels and will be missed. But I know for me she isn't truly gone and she will always be in my heart."

Other attendees included castmembers Beverley Callard, Kym Marsh, Helen Worth and Michael Le Vell.