One of the biggest funerals ever seen in Darlington was held yesterday, as family and friends paid their last respects to 24-year-old Rachael Foster.

Miss Foster died on Wednesday last week after a long illness, aged only 24.

Yesterday, a huge procession took place from Miss Foster's home, in Aysgarth Road, to St John's Church, on Neasham Road.

People from across the country arrived in Darlington to attend the service, and police reported some traffic problems because of the volume of traffic on the route to the church.

A portable building has been sited outside Miss Foster's home since Sunday to cope with the volume of people visiting her grieving family to pay their respects.

Lorries laden with floral tributes queued bumper to bumper along the route, and mourners lined the street outside the church.

Many mourners also walked behind the hearse.

The service, at 10.30am, was followed by a private burial at West Cemetery in the town.

Miss Foster leaves parents Pauline and Peter, brothers Peter and Bob, and sisters Ann Marie and Lisa.