Those whose lives were touched by carer Janette Moss, who drowned while playing by the sea with ten-year-old Timmy Barry, gathered yesterday to pay their last respects.

Some 200 friends, relatives and colleagues from social services turned up to the emotional funeral at Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton.

Mrs Moss, 45, of Heathdown Close, Peacehaven, is believed to have died trying to save the autistic boy she called "My Timmy".

He also died after being swept into the sea by a freak wave near Brighton Marina on December 1 while Mrs Moss was looking after him as a social services carer.

The Rev Colin Still, vicar of St John the Evangelist, Knoyle Road, led the service and read a tribute from the family.

It spoke of her love for her three boys, aged 12, 17 and 20, and the family's pride in her getting a degree from Sussex University.