HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Bridgwater to pay their respects to community icon Jan Harvey.

Jan, 74, died at St Margaret’s Hospice on May 7 after a battle with cancer. Her funeral was held on Friday, May 23, at St Mary’s Church, Bridgwater.

Guests honoured Jan’s request to wear bright colours at the service, where Jan was referred to as “Mrs Bridgwater”.

Bridgwater town clerk Alan Hurford, who was a close friend of Jan’s, gave the eulogy.

He said: “Jan was a cheerleader for Bridgwater. There was a tremendous turn out from the town for a woman who was very special in all what she did.

“The church was full, so there must have been about 700 in there and people outside as well.

“The High Street was packed as the hearse went through and large numbers of people lined up as the cortege passed by.

“As we turned to town people were paying respects all the way through.

“The family was so impressed by the number of people there and I know Jan would have appreciated the whole thing.

“Everybody wore bright colours and respected her wishes. One or two did their hair in her famous pink style.”

Jan was well known, notably for her 40-year association with Eastover Primary School and support of Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society, ACTS, Bridgwater Pantomime Society and the Carnival.