Hundreds of people packed a church to pay tributes to a mother-of-three found dead in her home.

There was standing room only at Holy Cross Church, in Warren Road, Woodingdean, as mourners remembered Pauline Jenkins yesterday.

Dozens of friends and family had travelled to the service from west Wales, where Ms Jenkins was originally from.

The 46-year-old’s Welsh heritage was reflected in the choice of hymns and some mourners carried single daffodils into to the church.

Ms Jenkins’ three children Wayne, Jack and Ellie were accompanied to the service by their grandmother Betty Lockyer and aunts and uncles.

In a moving tribute that “came from the heart”, her friend Colleen McCardle said she was “blessed” to have known Ms Jenkins.

She described meeting Ms Jenkins on Christmas Eve 13 years ago when Ms McCardle knocked on her door to see if their children wanted to play together.

Ms McCardle fought back the tears as she said: “She was very trusting. She trusted people.

“Pauline had a lot of friends. So many people loved Pauline.

“She was always laughing. We had many, many laughs together and we had a few arguments as well.

“Pauline never held a grudge against anybody.

“I am glad Pauline was in my life. I think I was blessed to have Pauline in my life.

“I know she loved her children so much, they were her life. I want her to know that “Jack, Ellie and Wayne will always be in our lives. God bless you Pauline.”

Yellow and white flowers adorned the church.

A wreath of flowers spelling the word Mum was laid on the coffin, which was brought out of song Make You Feel My Love by Adele.

After the service friends and family walked behind the black hearse to Lawns Memorial Cemetery.

Ms Jenkins was discovered dead at her home in Rosebery Avenue, Woodingdean, on February 5 after meeting a man through internet dating.