Tenby has rarely seen a more emotional funeral service than it did in Monday afternoon when a congregation almost filling the spacious Parish Church of St. Mary paid its warm and, for many, tearful final tribute to a popular young citizen, Sharron Lesley Griffiths.

Sharron, who lived in a flat at Knowling Mead with her 14-year-old son Nicholas, to whom she was devoted, passed peacefully away at the family home of her parents, Denzil and Joan Griffiths, at Ilford, Broadwell Hayes. And the family recall with loving pride that she died with great dignity (writes A.J.O.).

In addition to her son Nicholas, parents Joan and Denzil and partner Nigel, Sharron is survived by her brothers Shaun and Darren and sister Rachel.

Denzil Griffiths, who will always be remembered for his Plant a Daffodil campaign, was one of Tenby's most colourful post-war Mayors. His daughter Sharron inherited many of his qualities.

She was a vibrant personality, always smiling and always compassionate and ready to help anyone in need.

These would be admirable qualities for someone in robust health, but for the last four years of her life Sharron suffered greatly. She underwent a series of major operations - one lasting over 12 hours - at the University of Wales Hospital, The Heath, Cardiff, and endured prolonged periods of treatment at Velindre Hospital.

Astonishingly to her close family and friends, she never complained and never lost her sparkling smile. She loved company and made the most of her life. Alas, full though her life was, it was to be tragically short. She was only 40 when it ended.

Like many members of her family, who were all devoted to her, Sharron was a lively character. Even as a young girl of six she appeared, a sun-tanned little figure, in a magazine picture illustrating the attractions of Tenby.

When a young teenager, she persuaded her Dad to take her to Cardiff to see her first rugby international match. He left her with some friends while he went off to meet a Cardiff colleague.

They were both astonished a few hours later on picking up a copy of the South Wales Echo to see Sharron and her friends pictured on the front page alongside a group of wine-drinking French supporters.

After leaving Greenhill School, Sharron had a variety of jobs, mainly working in a number of the town's popular bars where her happy, outgoing, personality made her a popular figure with the customers.

At one period she was employed as bar manager at the council-owned De Valence Pavilion, but later she settled happily into the post of booking administrator at Kiln Park Holiday Complex.

Always ready for a novel adventure and a laugh, she once figured in the television series It's a knock-out when a round was filmed at Pembroke Castle.

Sharron was an enthusiastic gardener. At the rear of her Knowling Mead flat she worked tirelessly to create her garden which was often a blaze of colour from a wide variety of flowers.

She enjoyed nothing more than a visit to Caldey Island, which she loved. It was in recognition of this attraction that an aerial shot of the island was reproduced on the cover of the order of service at her funeral.

Sharron loved pop music and as the funeral cortege entered the lovely church, it paused to listen to the strains of Nellie Furtado singing I'm like a bird, a song of which Sharron was particularly fond. At the close of the service another of her favourites, Robbie Williams singing Angels was played in a very emotional atmosphere.

Sharron had a wide circle of friends who loved her deeply. One of the last people to see her was her neighbour and friend, Elsie Broadhurst, who handed her a crucifix which Sharron was clutching when she passed away the following morning.

She had been affectionately cared for by her partner Nigel and for some years had received great comfort from her association with the Kings Christian Fellowship, of Narberth, to whom she had been introduced by 'Bongo' Clive.

A memorial service is being organised by the Kings Christian Fellowship at the Queen's Hall, Narberth, on Sunday, November 18, at 10.30 am.

Monday's impressive funeral service at St. Mary's was conducted by the Rector, Canon David Jenkins, assisted by the Rev. Mark Soady. The Rector paid moving tribute to Sharron's happy outlook on life and her courage and to the warm community spirit of Tenby, which had been a great consolation to the bereaved family.

During the service, the hymns The Lord's my Shepherd and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer were feelingly sung, with Dr. John Harrison providing the organ accompaniment.

At Parc Gwyn Crematorium, the service was again conducted by Canon David Jenkins and Paul Dando. In addition to the singing of the hymn The Old Rugged Cross, 'Bongo' Clive sang Freedom while Amazing Grace was rendered by the Kings Christian Fellowship accompanied by three guitars.

The ashes were later interred in the memorial garden of St. Mary's Church, Tenby.

There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu may be made to either the Paul Sartori Foundation or to Macmillan Cancer Relief, c/o the funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.