The daughter of Algarve tragedy victim Jean Dinsmore paid a heartfelt tribute to her mum at her funeral yesterday.

Hundreds of mourners heard fond memories of Mrs Dinsmore as a great friend and neighbour and a wonderful mother.

There was standing room only as hundreds of people packed St Mary Magdalene Church in Eardisley, Herefordshire.

The order of service featured a poem, called Sadness of the Sea, written by 11-year-old Lydia Dinsmore for her mum. The poem can be found on the link below.

Mrs Dinsmore's family decided to have her body cremated in her native county where many of her friends still live.

The 43-year-old from Coxstalls, Wootton Bassett, drowned while rescuing her two children, Alex, ten, and Lydia, 11, from strong currents off the coast of Praia do Tonel two weeks ago.

Husband Roy, who survived the rescue attempt, spoke of the hole his wife's loss has left in the family.

The 47-year-old said: "We all thought of ourselves as a team of four but now we have lost our key player.

"But the love and support Jean gave us and what she has left behind will enable us to thrive as a team of three."

He added: "Although we are acutely aware of how cruelly she was snatched away from us too early, we also remember and celebrate how much Jean had packed into her life.

"Career, family and the kind way she treated those she came into contact with. Friendly, supportive and sometimes argumentative.

"The events in Sagres have been widely and sometimes inaccurately reported. But what was never in doubt is that Jean did not hesitate when she saw children in difficulties in the sea.

"None of us here would be surprised that she acted in the way she did, concisely and selflessly.

"I hope you can take with you all the happy memories of Jean, as Lydia, Alex and I have."

Mourners, including Wootton Bassett Mayor Audrey Wannell and husband Chris, stood in silence as the song Still Here by Natasha Bedingfield played.

Rosie and George Fry, who were orphaned when the sea claimed the lives of their parents Bob and Deb, attended the service with guardian and aunt Lesley Spencer.

During the service, Mrs Dinsmore's brother-in-law, Mike Dinsmore, paid tribute to her bravery. He said: "It came as no great surprise to people that Jean had laid down her life for her children and I respect and applaud her for what she did."

Laughter echoed throughout the church as he recalled Jean's sociable lifestyle and love of parties.

He said: "Jean and Roy had many barbecues and dinner parties.

"Jean would always find an occasion to celebrate, from Christmas Day, Easter Day or just Tuesday. She'd host Virgin Vie Parties or chocoholic parties for the girls and if there was ever an event she'd turn up with a bottle of wine and a smile."

The congregation stood to sing The Lord's my Shepherd before hearing the poem She is Gone, read out by Mrs Dinsmore's nephews Stuart and Dean.

They said: "You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.

"You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left."

He added: "She has left us with many treasurered memories and brought colour to all our lives. "Jean paid the ultimate price, and in doing so we all saw her tremendous courage.

"She was a magnetic person who had a fantastic sense of humour and was truely inspirational."

Mourners made donations for Macmillan Nurses in Mrs Dinsmore's memory.