HUNDREDS of people turned out this morning to say goodbye to Mary Butterwick, founder of the Butterwick Hospice movement in the North-East, who died last week aged 91.

Click here to see a gallery of photos from Mary Butterwick's funeral

Mary's family says thank you - click here

Mrs Butterwick's funeral took place today at Stockton Parish Church, on Stockton High Street and is being followed by a reception at the Stockton hospice.

The church was full well before the service was due to start at 10am.

Flags have been flown at half mast in Stockton today, as a mark of respect.

Mrs Butterwick's coffin left the church to the classic Beatles song All You Need is Love.

Many of Butterwick nurses were also in attendance, still in uniform.​

Reverend Mark Miller, leading the service, said the mourners were gathered today "to celebrate the incredible Mary Butterwick".

He added: "To those of you who knew Mary it will come as no surprise she had some very clear and instructive expectations of what happens here at her funeral today."​

Giving a eulogy Mary's daughter Julia said her mum could be strong willed "and bloody minded"."This lady was not for turning, to quote another strong woman," she said.

"So many people loved her, and she always had time for people, even when she was unwell."

Dr Edwin Pugh, said he had known Mary for 20 years "as a colleague and a friend".

"Mary was ever present in the hospice and always ready to give her time," he said.

"I'm not sure we the people of Teesside and Bishop Auckland fully understand the influence Mary had.

"Mary's legacy is not a building but a philosophy of care."