It was a sad day in Essex as thousands of well-wishers lined the streets to pay their last respects to reality TV star Jade Goody. Although there were tears, there was also applause and cheering as Jade's funeral cortege – which was accompanied by her mum Jackiey Budden and husband Jack Tweed - arrived at the church where the service was held just after 12pm.
A gospel choir sang the hymn Amazing Grace as Jack helped carry her white casket into St John the Baptist church, in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Many fans wept as they watched on giant screens which had been put up outside, and there was applause as the service began.
Famous faces among the mourners included TV hosts Richard and Judy, the Sugababes – the girl band trio who performed at Jade's wedding last month - and Big Brother presenter Davina McCall. Jade's former housemate from the show Spencer Smith was also among the guests. Jade's sons Bobby and Freddie were not present - they were instead in Australia on a 'boys' bonding' trip with father Jeff Brazier.
Earlier fans laid flowers on the vintage Rolls Royce which bore Jade's coffin on its final journey through Bermondsey, where she was raised. The procession paused at The Blue Market where the star's family used to have a stall. A dove was released and prayers were said, before the cortege moved on to the council estate where she grew up.
After picking up other members of Jade's family, the procession - which was made up of the Rolls Royce, four Daimler limousines and a Bentley – made its way over Tower Bridge, through East London and on to the star's £1 million home in Upshire.
Bouquets chosen by her family paid tribute to some of the famous sayings which endeared her to the public in Big Brother. One spelled out "East Angular" a reference to a gaffe she made, thinking East Anglia was a foreign country.
Another, which depicted a jar of marmite, was a testament to the star's famous sense of humour. She'd requested the design, as she thought people either really liked her or disliked her, just like the food product's adverting slogan: "You either love it or you hate it."
The star, who died on Mothers'Day, was laid to rest in the £3,500 ivory Manuel Mota gown she wore for her wedding last month and with photos of her sons.
After the service mourners moved on to a wake at a local golf club, where - at Jade's request – tea and cake was served instead of alcohol.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: PA
Photo: PA
