The funeral of a well known and well loved pillar of the community is being held this afternoon.

At 2.30pm 120 family members, friends, colleagues and ex-pupils are expected to attend the funeral of Diane 'Faith' Cullis at Chigwell School Chapel.

Guests are coming from as far as Newcastle, Spain and France to say goodbye to a woman who had worked in the school for more than 50 years.

The service will involve Chigwell School’s chaplain, choir and organist, with catering provided by the school in its dining hall following the service.

Mrs Cullis served in the school's shop on Saturday mornings as well as preparing the school chapel flowers.

Her husband John Cullis, a former headteacher and current MBE, has been serving as a governor of the school for the past 17 years.

The thanksgiving service will follow a short committal at Forest Park Crematorium, Hainault at 1.00pm for close family.