A STEP-daughter paid the ultimate tribute to her father at his funeral and said: "I would pick him every time for my mum!"

Brave Jenny made the heart-felt proclamation at Gerald Slevin's funeral in front more than 100 people in a packed Cannon Street Baptist Church, Accrington, yesterday.

Gerald, known as Ged, 35, of Lincoln Court, Church, died last week after suffering a heart attack in Asda superstore, in Accrington. He had married Jenny's mum Heather, 43, in the same church 10 months ago.

Jenny, 24, spoke of her pride of having him as a stepfather and said that although he appeared shy on first impression he was in fact a very funny, cheeky and caring man. She said that although Ged was only 5ft 2in tall he was the "biggest man" she had ever known.

Jenny was joined in her tributes by the Rev Roy Parker who said he knew Ged and Heather well and spoke of the strength of their mutual love and how, unlike many others, he knew their marriage would have lasted.

Ged had been shopping at Asda on the morning of Sunday April 13 when he was taken ill. After phoning Heather, the merchandiser for Birmingham-based NRS Retail rang an ambulance while Mrs Slevin rushed from her job as a care worker to be with him.

He was taken to Blackburn Infirmary but attempts to resuscitate him failed. The former pupil at Mount Carmel RC High School, Wordsworth Road, Accrington, met Heather after they were introduced by Mrs Slevin's sister. They married last June.

Jenny said: "When I first saw Ged he was like a teenager and as I got to know him he didn't change in any way. He was quiet and shy on first impression but in reality he was funny, cheeky, practical and caring. I was proud to have him as a step dad, I would pick him every time for my mum, they were very happy."

Mr Parker said: "Ged and Heather were so in love, I was completely confident about the care and love they had for each other." The family chose the song Danny Boy for the funeral, in tribute to Ged's mother's Irish roots and Madness' On the Wings of a Dove at his cremation because of his love for the band.