Oscar-winning film director Richard Attenborough's life was celebrated at a Westminster Abbey memorial service on Tuesday.

Lord Attenborough, who died in August, was one of Richmond's most esteemed residents, having dominated the British film industry for more than half a century.

The service of thanksgiving was attended by his brother, Sir David Attenborough, as well as a host of stars including Sir Michael Caine, Sir John Hurt and Dame Judi Dench.

Actor and director Lord Attenborough lived at Old Friars, near Richmond Green, until early 2012 when he joined his wife Sheila Sim in a home for the care of elderly actors in west London.

The Dean of Westminster, the very reverend Dr John Hall, said: "We come to celebrate the life and achievement of Richard Attenborough, a truly great man.

"Certainly a star of stage and screen, but also a pioneer film-maker, an exemplary leader of his profession, a man of deep commitment, of great generosity of spirit, and of personal warmth.

"We shall also pray that his story might continue to inspire and inform others to follow his example, that our world might become a little brighter and better."

After the ceremony, Sir Michael said: "It was brilliant - so beautiful."

Dame Judi added: "I thought it was absolutely perfect."

Actor Robert Lindsay said: "It was very uplifting and it was a testimony to his amazing gift - I used to call him the magician."

In early 2013, Lord Attenborough sold his Richmond home and attached offices, Beaver Lodge, for about £11.5m.

He was also heavily involved in the arts locally, most notably as a patron of the Orange Tree Theatre.

Lord Attenborough was given a knighthood in 1976 and in 1993 became a life peer as Baron Attenborough of Richmond.

He suffered tragedy in 2004 when his daughter Jane Holland was killed in the south-east Asia tsunami as well as and her 15-year-old daughter Lucy and her grandmother, also called Jane.

He was famously known for appearing in and directing an array of films, most famously directing Gandhi in 1982.