Friends and family join together to celebrate the life of a beloved Honiton woman.

There was standing room only at a service to celebrate the life of a beloved Honiton woman.

More than 400 people attended the memorial service for Hilary Edwards, 61, who worked at Littletown Primary Academy for 25 years.

The 61-year-old sadly lost her battle with cancer.

The service, organised by The Community Church, was held in St Paul’s Church - the balcony had to be opened and chairs were placed in the aisles to accommodate everyone.

Sarah Greenland led the service of worship, with support from the full Community Church band.

Littletown Primary School Academy headteacher Caroline Bond paid tribute to Hiliary’s dedication and played two songs that had been recorded by the children especially for the event.

Hilary’s husband John said his wife was always willing to help anyone in need and recalled her love of dancing and the joy she had from dancing at local events.

John and Hilary Edwards have been members of The Community Church at Honiton since its formation in 1987.

They have served in many areas of church life, but it was in worship that Hilary found her fulfilment.

They visited churches in Zambia with a team from the church in 2010.

Hilary loved the people there and had hoped to return there before cancer tragically took her life.

More than �1200 was raised in a collection for local cancer charities.