MORE than 200 people joined Corsham brother and sister Susan and Kevin Osborne at their mother Hazel’s funeral on Tuesday, following an appeal for people to attend.

Funeral director Aaron Bewley said he was overwhelmed by the response to the invitation he extended on social media, after the siblings expressed a worry that their mother had no friends to attend.

The invitation spread around the world - and 203 people, as well as two babies, took the time to join the funeral service at St Bartholomew’s church.

“It was quite overwhelming,” said Mr Bewley. “After the service, Kevin and Susan said to me, did you see all the people? It was amazing. They really appreciated it.”

The service was led by the Rev Andrew Johnson, and afterwards, Mrs Osborne, who died on December 31, aged 86, was laid to rest in the Ladbrook Lane Cemetery, with her late husband, Arthur. Afterwards, the brother and sister went home for a cup of tea.

In his invitation Mr Bewley wrote: “I know this is a big ask, but a little time out of your day will mean the world to them on what will obviously be a very difficult day for them.”

After the funeral he said: “In the church was a sea of heads. It was really moving. There was so much community spirit, and an atmosphere of compassion.

“People said they were glad they could come and participate, and we heard all these stories of how people had gone to great lengths to come along. It was a very different atmosphere - hard to describe, but in a really positive way.”

Another surprise result was the reappearance of a long-lost cousin, who saw the story on social media and is now back in the siblings’ lives.

Donations in memory of Hazel will go to the RUH Forever Friends Appeal and Springboard pre-school for children with special needs. Visit ajbfunerals.co.uk/notice/hazel-osbourne.