Relatives and friends yesterday paid tribute to Becky Boyle, a woman who wanted to "feed the world".

The 82-year-old, who died last week, was the head of a Brighton dynasty - mother of seven, grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of 12.

Her home was always filled with visiting friends, the door was always open and the kettle was always on.

St Peter's Church was full as family members and friends said goodbye to the much-loved matriarch.

A fleet of ten funeral cars processed from Whitehawk to the church, where they were met by hundreds more mourners.

The leading vehicles contained floral arrangements spelling out Mum and Nan.

Becky was born Rebecca Mears in Brighton in 1922 and spent her whole life in the town, apart from her annual holidays hop-picking in Kent.

The congregation heard Becky's own mother had taken her on working holidays as a girl and she continued the tradition with her own children.

Becky was married to her beloved Scottish husband Billy for 63 years. He died three years ago.

She worked for many years, first on her brother's fruit and vegetable stall and then for 27 years as a dinner lady at Whitehawk junior and infant schools.

Friends recalled her giving extra portions to children she thought needed feeding up.

She was one of the first people in Brighton to own a television. It had a 9in screen and a magnifying glass.

Neighbours remembered being invited round as youngsters to watch the Queen's Coronation in 1953.

Becky and Billy spent most of their lives living on the Whitehawk estate and their home was always full, not only with their children but their friends'.

Close family friend Maureen Weaver said: "The kettle would always be on waiting for the next pot of tea and the next person to walk through the door.

"Becky was a special and precious person.

"She managed to bridge the years between generations. She was ageless."

People entered the church to the strains of My Mother's Eyes by Dame Vera Lynn and hymns included The Old Rugged Cross.

After the ceremony, mourners moved on to the cemetery.

A gathering was then held at the Ebony Rooms, Brighton Marina.