Broadcaster Alistair Cooke's ashes scattered in Central Park

Broadcaster Alistair Cooke's ashes have been scattered in Central Park, New York, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

His family defied a local bylaw by scattering his remains from paper cups.

The apartment of the Letter from America presenter overlooked the park.

Jane, his widow, and his daughter Susie, a minister, organised the undercover operation which involved 10 family members and friends.

The group bought Starbucks coffees and then walked into Central Park with the empty cups.

Cooke's ashes were divided into each cup and then Susie used a red scarf to signal to her mother, inside the apartment, that the service was about to begin.

They recited the 23rd Psalm and said a prayer before tipping their coffee cups and dispersing his ashes.