Some of the biggest names in broadcast journalism gathered to say farewell to former ITN newsreader Carol Barnes at her funeral yesterday.

Nick Owen, Dermot Murnaghan and Alistair Stewart were among those who attended the service at Downs Crematorium in Brighton.

Afterwards, close friend Alistair Stewart said: "Carol had enormous love and laughter but enormous depth as well. I hope we celebrated all three."

The main chapel was filled to capacity with friends and family for a short service celebrating her love of life and laughter.

A candle was lit in her memory before Carol's friends and son, James Thompson, recalled warmhearted anecdotes about the newsreader.

Denis MacShane, Carol's former partner and father of her daughter Clare, said in a speech: "Chin up, never cry, it will be bottom's up soon.

It's Carol we're saying goodbye to. She wouldn't want weeping here.

"If there's one thing that sums her up it's laughter.

She was always finding something to laugh at to get through a difficult situation.

"Carol was someone who smiled and laughed her cares away. She was beautiful.

Even in hospital her face was unlined, her blonde hair was still glowing, her beauty was undiminished."

Carol's son wrote a touching speech which was read out by the Rev Jane Barton.

He wrote: "She made me care. She made me live. She opened the world to me. If it wasn't for this, God only knows where I would be now." An excerpt of the Jeff Buckley song Alleluia was played, followed by U2's With Or Without You.

After the service, friends and colleagues paid tribute. David Mannion, editor in chief at ITN, worked at ITN with Carol in 1979.

He said: "I think it was the most appropriate tribute to Carol I can ever imagine.

"There's no disputing this is a sad occasion but it has captured the essential Carol, which was someone who was always able to overcome difficulty in her life with a wonderful smile and laughter and would make everyone else laugh.

"That smile that characterised Carol and the ability to laugh through adversity was the theme of the service.

"She was a tremendous professional and loving person to have as a friend."

Dermot Murnaghan, who met Carol in 1989, said: "I thought the service captured Carol's spirit.

"She was full of life and could always see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"We're going to remember the joy and wonder she brought into our lives."

Carol died on March 8, after a stroke aged 63.

A public memorial service will be held in her memory in Brighton on March 29.

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