Ledger's family prepares for funeral

Heath Ledger's family has flown back to Australia to prepare for the late actor's funeral.

Dad Kim, mum Sally and sister Kate were escorted from the plane by private security guards and police when they arrived in Perth.

It is not known where the ceremony will be held, but it is thought he will be buried alongside two of his grandparents in a family plot.

Meanwhile, the isolated city of Perth is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sources of pride.

Shannon Harvey, the film critic at the local Sunday Times newspaper, told the Associated Press: "It's probably the biggest news we've had in Perth in a long time.

"He's probably the highest-profile star who's ever come out of [here] and probably our greatest success story."

The Brokeback Mountain star died in his Manhattan apartment on January 22. The cause of death will not be determined until toxicology tests are completed later this week.

> Obituary: Heath Ledger