A village church was packed for the funeral of a popular former school worker.

Family, friends and colleagues of Sarah O’Neill filled St James’s Church, in Cross Roads, Keighley, for the service.

Moving tributes from her sister and daughter sparked a spontaneous standing ovation from the congregation.

“She always had a smile on her face and had a fantastic sense of humour,” said sister Laura.

“Her proudest moment was when her girl Kirsty was born and she held her in her arms.”

Tribute was also paid to Mrs O’Neill’s work at Holy Family Catholic School in Keighley, where she was an access officer.

School staff were among those present to say a final farewell to Mrs O’Neill, 42, who was found dead at her Hebden Road, Haworth, home last month.

Mrs O’Neill’s daughter, Kirsty, said she “couldn’t find words” to describe the special relationship she had with her mother.