HE is one of Hollywood’s most in demand actors but Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch took time out of his busy schedule to pay tribute to one of his biggest super fans.

The Oscar nominee expressed his sadness that he was not able to attend the funeral of 14-year-old Eve Shepherd in an open letter which was read out during the service at Padgate Methodist Church on Monday.

But he added that Birchwood High School pupil will never be forgotten.

He said: “I send my deepest sympathies to Eve’s family.

“To lose someone so young who fought for her health all her life must be beyond endurance.

“I hope they can take solace from the fact that she was clearly much loved and her support of our show is hugely appreciated and shall be remembered.

“I wish I could be there but sadly am filming the show she loved.

“God rest her soul.

“With all my love and sympathies, Benedict xxx”.

Eve has been a Sherlock Holmes fan for many years and her parents, Mark and Jane, said she would be giggling with delight at the thought of Benedict taking the time to write to her.

Mark said: "Eve would find this funny as she was a big TV and film fan. She would be giggling her head off at the thought she was in the newspaper.

"But she would be so happy about the letter from Benedict - she was a huge fan."

Eve's love of Sherlock was so strong that her parents thought it was only right that the procession left the church listening to the theme tune of the hit show.

Jane said: "The service will be more of a celebration so the songs that will be played are some of Eve's favourite artists and songs."

Other songs played during the service included Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, Blame It on Me by George Ezra, It's a Beautiful Day Michael Bublé and Take me to Church by Hozier.

To read about Eve's funeral click here.