HUNDREDS of people turned out to pay their respects to true Daleswoman Hannah Hauxwell as her funeral was held in Barnard Castle, today.

The 91 year old's extraordinary story of endurance farming in the harshest of conditions 1,000ft above sea level in upper Teesdale amazed the world when she was found by television cameras in the early 1970s.

The Northern Echo:

People lined the streets as the funeral entourage made its way slowly to Barnard Castle Methodist Church to be greeted by minister Reverend Bev Hollings.

Hannah's shepherd's staffs were place on top of her coffin along with a bouquet of white roses.

Her coffin entered the church to the strains of The Lord is My Shepherd.

Rev Hollings described Hannah as a true Yorkshire woman born on Yorkshire Day, and found contentment and peace even in times of great struggle.

She said: "I doubt there is anyone here who hasn't seen footage of Hannah breaking the ice on the trough so the cows could drink, or carrying water for her own use and for the animals when the stream dried up.

"Most of the viewers who saw that documentary in the 1970s would consider that a hard and difficult life. At the same time there was an awareness that whilst Hannah eventually enjoyed having water on tap she was content with life. She had peace even amongst hardship."

"Although I spoke with Hannah on a few occasions we never talked about death - but the hymns she left for us to sing today assure me that Hannah found rest and peace in God - the peace Jesus spoke of to his disciples. They also speak of the hope which Christians find in Jesus of that life prepared for us by Jesus. This isn't the end but the start of a new life to come."

One of Hannah's favourite poems, The Arab's Farewell to his Horse while a recording of Cockfield Methodist Church Male Voice Choir singing You Plant My Feet on Higher Ground was also played.
 

During her eulogy, Rev Hollings remarked how Hannah moved to her beloved Low Birk Hatt Farm when she was just three and her life revolved around it.

After the death of her parents, Hannah led a solitary life from the age of 34.

Rev Hollings said: "Hannah's life for the next 20 years was a mix of continuing hard work on the farm mixed with moments of fame. She proved to be a natural in front of the cameras, taking to the limelight yet also enjoying the peace and solitude beside the water when she returned home. Celebrity status didn't change Hannah.

"She appreciated the help she received in having running water and later electricity installed at the farm but by her own admission she remained a hoarder, unable to part with anything. To Hannah everything had value including a margarine tub and a paper bag."

Rev Hollings said Hannah found it hard to leave the farm and had to be coaxed out from its last remaining chair but eventually settled into her cottage in nearby Cotherstone.

Hannah's old habits died hard as she was known to lay her clothes on the village green to dry, just as she had done on her farm.

Rev Hollings described Hannah as gentle, well spoken and polite as well as determined.

She said: "Rest in peace Hannah, it's a rest well deserved."