THE family of a former Harwich mayor have thanked all those who were involved in her funeral.

Stephanie Tyrer died in her Dovercourt home aged 48 last month after a life-long battle with congenital heart disease.

Miss Tyrer served as a town councillor for four years from 2007 and was mayor from 2010-11.

An incredible funeral procession saw majestic black horses parade through the town to the service at St Nicholas’ Church on August 10.

Stephanie’s mother Eileen, of Larksfield Crescent, wanted to thank everyone involved in the day on behalf of herself, husband Alan and son Grant.

She said: “We cannot thank those involved in the organisation enough for their help and support at a difficult time.

“A special thank-you to Dr Brian Collins and Dr Richard Wilson for all their support over the years, and our High Sheriff Chris Strachan, who I know kept an eye on her in her council years.

“There must also be a big thank you to Entrac for printing the beautiful thanksgiving service and to the staff at the Tower Hotel for the lovely refreshments.

“Colin Farnell also did a wonderful reading and Steph’s godchild Emma Filburn read a poem she had written, which we were very grateful for.”

The service was filmed for friends of Stephanie who she had met online discussing Harry Potter.

Eileen added: “We have had so many letters and cards from so many countries all over the world. We would like to thank Maria Fowler for the filming so that Stephanie’s Harry Potter friends from all over the world will be able to be part of her departing."