A WHITE hearse drawn by two white horses carried a mother of three, described as the life and soul of the party, to the funeral she organised herself.

Hundreds of mourners wore pink clothing and flowers and other bright colours at Alison Hindmarch's request.

The funeral of the 41-year-old, who died on May 14 in St Teresa's Hospice, was held in a packed St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington, yesterday.

She had been diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Last year, she arranged her funeral with Whitehouse Funeral Service.

She chose her readings and songs, including James Blunt's Goodbye My Lover and dance song Pump It Up.

Her coffin was carried in a white carriage led by two white horses. The carriage was adorned with pink ribbons.

There were also pink flowers, including those on the carriage forming the words mam, daughter and sister.

Undertakers and pallbearers all wore pink ties and had pink handkerchiefs.

The family, who all also wore colour, arrived in a fleet of silver limousines.

Scores of mourners followed Alison's wishes by wearing pink or brightly-coloured clothes

Alison was described at the service as the "life and soul" of the party.

The Reverend Robert Williamson, vicar of St Cuthbert's Church, said: "Alison had great courage and, by organising her own funeral, we can celebrate her life.

"She was indeed a colourful character."

The service was followed by interment in the town's West Cemetery.

Alison, nee Bonner, of West Auckland Road, Darlington, had three children, Gavin, 20, Daniel, 17, and Alisha, 14.

Gavin McLelland said she had fought cancer for more than two years to firstly celebrate Christmas with her children and then see Daniel's 17th birthday, the day before her death.

Mr McLelland added: "She knew it was coming within a year. She went in and sorted everything herself. She was a fighter and done it all the way.

"She wanted everyone to be upbeat and celebrate her life. She wanted everyone to be happy."

She also leaves behind a mother, Jean, brothers Anthony and Jason, and partner Joe.

Marie Emmerson, a nurse from St Teresa's Hospice in-patients unit, said: "I know Alison enjoyed it here as did her family. Alison's wishes for her funeral certainly befit her positive and bubbly character."