Thousands of mourners gathered around a large, red-carpeted outdoor stage, clutching photographs of the late Serbian leader and shouting "Slobo the Serb!".

From Belgrade, Milosevic's body was driven to Pozarevac to his family compound. Milosevic will be interred in a double grave with space for his widow, who said she wants to be buried with him when she dies, Serbia's state television reported.

Security was tight in Pozarevac, with police on heightened alert and extra ambulances parked around town. A curtain of red roses, the Socialists' symbol, hung over the entrance to the estate.

Tanjug news agency quoted Miomir Illic, leader of the Serb Socialist Party as saying about 50 international delegations have registered to attend the funeral.

A few thousand people have paid their respects to Mr Milosevic's coffin, which has been on display at a Belgrade museum since Thursday.