MOURNERS have paid their last respects to a well-known North Yorkshire woman who "consistently and smilingly" supported her family and community.

About 400 people attended the funeral of Lady Bridget Worsley, wife of Sir Marcus Worsley and sister-in-law of the Duchess of Kent, at All Saints' Church, Hovingham.

About 120 well-wishers who could not fit into the church huddled under umbrellas and a gazebo to shelter from the June showers, while the service was relayed over a loudspeaker into the churchyard.

The chief mourners included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the latter returning to her North Yorkshire roots to be at the funeral; the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne, and his wife; Dr Ingrid Roscoe, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire; The Hon Simon Howard; Lord Feversham; Lord Normanby and the Marchioness of Normanby; and Lord Halifax.

The service was conducted by the Rev Beryl Bowes, Rector of the Street parishes, and the address was given by Canon John Andrew, who described Lady Worsley as a quiet and modest woman who was devoted to her husband and family.

"Each of us carried a box of treasures in our memories of Bridget," said Mr Andrew. He said she "consistently and smilingly and amusingly" supported her family throughout their endeavours.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, gave the commendation and blessing. Other clergy in attendance included the Rt Rev Humphrey Taylor, former Bishop of Selby; Father Edward Corbould OSB, representing the Abbot of Ampleforth; the Rev Rachel Benson; and the Rev Michael Sinclair.

There were readings from Susan Wainwright, head teacher of Hovingham Church of England Primary School, and Lady Worsley's grandchildren, Isabella and Francesca Worsley, and James, Sophie and Hugo Elwes.

The Cantamen choir, of which Lady Worsley was a member, sang, and Julia Riley from Live Music Now, of which Lady Worsley was regional chairman for 18 years, performed I Would Be True.

A full peal of bells rang out after the service in Lady Worsley's honour. Her coffin was taken to the cemetery at Hovingham and buried in the family plot.

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, June 02, 2004