Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those who paid tribute to former MP and Falmouth councillor Candy Atherton at her funeral service this afternoon.

Mr Corbyn, who had been friends with Candy for more than 20 years, attended the service at Penmount Crematorium, but had to return to London immediately afterwards.

The service, which saw many people forced to stand outside after the seats inside were quickly taken, included tributes from eight friends and former colleagues of Candy. The lengthy service ended with everyone giving the 62-year-old a standing ovation.

Over at County Hall, where Candy had worked as a county councillor for four years, the meeting of the full council was adjourned while her peers also paid tribute.

After the service, friends and family headed for the Princess Pavilion where further tributes and stories of Candy were exchanged before The Lemonaires performed some Cornish songs.

Her husband, Brod Ross, said of the funeral service: "Candy would have absolutely loved it, although we didn't get the funeral she wanted. We wanted a full Viking funeral with a long boat out in the harbour and Candy carried shoulder high by four burly Vikings. She didn't get that which was a great shame but what we had was excellent. She would have bloody enjoyed this."

Falmouth mayor Grenville Chappel said: "Falmouth Town Council has suffered a great loss. Candy was referred to as one of the best councillors the town has had - I think she was the best. The job we have now is taking over the job she started and making sure they are delivered as a memory to Candy. That is going to be a very difficult job but we are determined we will do it."

Candy died on October 30 after suffering a stroke. She leaves her husband, Brod; mother, Pamela; and mother-in-law and father-in-law Betty and George Ross.