THE funeral of a mother-of-12 who died after being struck by a car was held yesterday.

Betty Cooper, 86, died on June 8, moments after celebrating the 30th wedding anniversary of her son, Barry, and his wife, Patricia.

The couple were helping her into a taxi in Westbury Street, Thornaby, Teesside, when the incident happened in the early hours of the morning.

Tyre-maker Barry, 55, and Patricia, 54, a care assistant, suffered severe abdominal, head and leg injuries in the accident.

Mrs Cooper was described by another son, Steven, as a woman ready with a smile and a word.

Speaking after the accident, he said: "Age was no barrier to her having fun and she was never happier than when surrounded by all her sons, daughters and grandchildren.

"She was just so full of life."

Mrs Cooper's funeral took place at St Peter's Church, Yarm Road, Stockton, which was filled with mourners wishing to bid their final farewells to the woman who was known in her community as "Nana" Cooper.

A man has been charged in connection with Mrs Cooper's death but no date has been set for a hearing.

* The Northern Echo was requested not to attend the funeral and was happy to respect the family's wishes for privacy.