The Rev Akasha Lonsdale asked for anyone who may have known Oliver Archer, who died in a rest home, to come to the service fearing nobody would be there.

Hundreds of strangers, touched by the plea, contacted the vicar to say they would pay their respects at Semington crematorium in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

But after national publicity on Olive's story, members of her family came forward and have now requested that the funeral be a private service.

It has now been moved to a secret location and members of the public are being told they are no longer welcome.

Olive died of a suspected stroke on December 20 at the Kington St Michael care home near Chippenham, Wiltshire.

After moving there five years ago from her home in Swindon, Olive never had a visitor during her whole stay.

Rev Lonsdale thanked the public for the response to her appeal and said she will be at the crematorium to explain the situation to people who turn up to pay tribute.

She said: "The family have decided that they want the funeral to be private and we have to respect their wishes. People have been wonderful but unfortunately they will not be able to attend now.

"The service is now at a different location at the request of the family."