MORE than 300 people packed a Kent church for a traditional travellers’ funeral to remember a “lovely and bubbly” young woman.

Annmarie Coates, from Dartford, died in Darent Valley Hospital on January 17 after complications arose when she caught pneumonia. She was just 33.

Speaking before the funeral at St Margaret’s Church in Darenth, her sister Olive Taylor said: “Annmarie was very well known to a lot of people. She was a really lovely, bubbly person, and had time for everyone.”

The funeral procession was led by 11 vehicles, with the first carrying Miss Coate’s coffin decorated with white and pink carnations.

There were also three open pick-up trucks laden with floral tributes and messages, and a further 57 vehicles belonging to mourners parked outside the church as families waited for the cortege to arrive.

After the service mourners followed cars to Stone cemetery where Miss Coates was laid to rest.

Although she had no children of her own, her family said Miss Coates, who was single, loved spending time with her six nephews and nieces.

Mrs Taylor said Miss Coates had spent most of her time with their parents who she 'idolised’, at the family home in Darenth Wood Road.

In a further tribute to her sister Mrs Taylor said: “She made an impression, she was one of a kind.”