A service is due to take place at St Mary's Church in Thame, Oxfordshire, close to the property in which the Bee Gees singer lived for many years.

Robin's glass-sided carriage – in which his coffin will be visible – will be drawn by four horses.

In a statement, his family said: "At his wish, he will say a final goodbye to fans and his home town of Thame, Oxon, this Friday prior to the funeral".

The family asked well-wishers and fans who want to pay their final respects to use the full length of the High Street to avoid congestion.

They requested donations to children's charities the Rebecca House Hospice and Wish upon a Dream as they were "close to his heart".

His music will form a part of the service. His son RJ previously said that the hit I Started a Joke will be played at the church.

And the track Don't Cry Alone – one of his final compositions from his Titanic Requiem, premiered only weeks before his death – will also be played.

A memorial service for the star is expected to follow later in the year, possibly at St Paul's Cathedral.

Robin died from kidney failure last month after fighting cancer and pneumonia and suffering from a serious bowel condition.

He was 62 years old.