ABOUT 300 players and fans today paid their last respects to a footballing icon yesterday.

Gordon Smith, who is best-known for his association with Edinburgh club Hibernian, died on Friday at the age of 80.

He has been described as one of the outstanding footballers of his generation.

Former Scotland international Gordon Strachan was among the mourners at the ceremony in the coastal town of North Berwick, East Lothian.

The congregation almost filled the large St Andrew Blackadder Church to hear eulogies given by journalist John Gibson and journalist, author and broadcaster Bob Crampsey.

Both spoke movingly about their admiration for the man, not only as a peerless footballer, but as a role model for younger generations.

Representatives of Smith's former clubs - Hearts, Dundee and Hibernian - were present to hear the traditional ceremony, as was Hibs club captain Ian Murray.

And the two surviving ''Famous Five'' Hibs strikers - Lawrie Reilly and Eddie Turnbull - also turned up to say their final farewells at the 45-minute service.

The Rev Christine Ritchie spoke about the the early days of Gordon Smith, telling mourners that his first primary teacher had predicted he would do great things with his life. She also spoke of the star's devotion to his wife Joan and his devastation over her death some eight years ago.

And the mourners heard that he was a devoted father who doted on his three grandchildren, aged nine, six and four months. Smith loved his cricket and golf, as well as pottering in his garden with his beloved cats, Ms Ritchie told the gathering.

Members of the footballer's family, including his son, his elder grandson, and his two surviving brothers and one sister, were present to hear the tributes.

The mourners then proceeded to North Berwick cemetery for the short committal service.

Smith played right-wing for Hibs between 1941 and 1959, and was the team's top scorer in every season but one during his first decade at the club, helping secure the Edinburgh side the Scottish championship on three occasions.

In 1959, Hibs let the winger go on a free transfer to Hearts, where he helped the team to win the Scottish League in 1959-60. In 1961 he moved to Dundee, who also carried off the title in his first year with them.

Smith made his debut for Scotland in October 1944, winning 18 full international caps during his 23-year career on the pitch.