Hundreds turned up in fancy dress today to mourn the passing of 'The Queen of Crook'.

At lunchtime, groups were emerging all over Crook in a variety of costumes to pay their respects to Jane Graham.

She was a "unique" character in the community, with friends all around the town and she would always visit new businesses opening to say hello.

At her funeral at Our Lady Immaculate and St Cuthbert Church in Crook, hundreds attended in testament to her community spirit.

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Her sister Joanne gave a eulogy and described how Jane had enjoyed a colourful 55-year life.

She said: "My little sister Jane Graham born the 1st April 1969 died 29th July 2024.

"The life she led in her short 55 years was colourful to say the least.

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"Jane started dancing on chairs at my gran's house at the age of three.

"She was taught by nuns in the building behind us here and it was at this school where her inquisitive behavioural skills gained her a raft of friends, many of whom are here today.

"We lived in a council estate called South End Villas and it was here that Jane's school activities with her friends from the estate began… she would say I’m just out playing.

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"This would include knocking on doors and running away …  she always loved a bit of mischief.

"Jane had a way of including people, she was not shy in asking 1000 questions to get to know every detail.

"She went to St John’s in Bishop Auckland and made more friends and made more mischief.

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"After leaving school Jane started at Ramars, and more friendships were made with the want and desire to go out and about and party. Dancing, karaoke, and more dancing on tables extended from Crook to bus trips all over the country including nights at Ushaw Moor Club.

"Jane was fit she went to the gym, walking, personal trainer and she did the Great North Run and raised thousands for charities across the years.

"She included her friends in all of her activities and she loved going out for her tea.

"Any new business opening in the area she showed her support."

Joanne reflected on how Jane's life had been cut short 11 months ago when she was diagnosed with cancer.

She added: "She was one of the 1 per cent of the population who qualified for immunotherapy and her cancer was retracting when something went wrong.

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"Even the oncologist who treated Jane came to the hospital to offer her another tablet to keep her here, but she refused, the pain was too much and she died with dignity holding the hands of her boys.

"Thank you to everyone who supported Jane over the last year, all of the staff at University Hospital of North Durham, Lucy and Claire, the staff at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, the friends who were there day and night, the neighbours who were so much more than neighbours taking food daily and I personally want to thank all of you for being a part of my sister's journey, we’re here for a good time not a long time."

(Image: Northern Echo)

There was an incredible array of costumes on display to honour Jane's last wish that everyone should wear blue or fancy dress.

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To name a few there were nuns, Woodie from Toy Story, Barbie and Ken, Borat lookalikes and even a unicorn.

Following a beautiful service the crowds left, not to a wake, but to go on a pub crawl as per Jane's wishes.

A unique funeral for a unique person, Jane will be sorely missed by the people of Crook.