HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to celebrate a ‘community champion’ whose sudden death shocked the town.

The funeral of Evonne Harwood was held yesterday at a packed St James Church in Accrington after she died suddenly from a suspected cardiac arrest in her shop.

Before the service scores of people followed the funeral party on a walk through Accrington town centre.

The procession, led by a team of bikers, walked past the Pink Magpie Vintage Emporium in Warner Street which the 55-year-old ran with partner Guy Curtis.

Flowers and cards were placed at the store paying tribute to Ms Harwood and the impact she had on the area.

The procession then continued down Church Street and stopped outside the town hall, before walking round to the church for the service.

Hundreds of people were in attendance for the service which featured a poem from her granddaughter, Chloe, and kind words from Hyndburn MP Graham Jones among others.

As well as friends and family, Hyndburn Mayor Cllr Tim O’Kane was also in attendance to pay respects to the woman he called ‘Mrs Accrington’.

The service was carried out by Rev Ian Enticott. who was helping with a Oops Upside Your Head world record attempt planned for June, being organised by Ms Harwood.

A fundraising campaign set up by Ms Harwood’s cousin Nicola Duckworth raised more than £2,000 for the funeral.

She said: “We know money is tight for so many people these days, so it just goes to show how well thought of Evonne was.

“Every pound we get is a pound nearer the target, and a pound less the family have to agonise over trying to find.”

As well as partner Mr Curtis, Ms Harwood leaves two children John and Sarah, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Following the service the burial was held at Accrington Crematorium in Burnley Road.

Ms Harwood was fondly known for organising events such as the Dickensian Christmas and Vintage Seaside.