The life and legacy of 'fierce, smart and uncompromising' campaigner Sylvia Lancaster celebrated at her funeral

The life and enduring legacy of 'inspirational and formidable' Sylvia Lancaster was celebrated with tears - and laughter - at her funeral. Sylvia campaigned tirelessly following her daughter Sophie's horrific murder in 2007 - devoting her life to a foundation in the 20-year-old's name which continues to promote tolerance and work to stamp out prejudice.

Mourners wearing pink armbands to honour Sylvia's insatiable love of the colour at the ceremony in Whitworth, near Rochdale, heard her described as a 'powerful life force' and an 'inspiration to so many'. The work of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation will go on - to 'strengthen and intensify the possibility of a better, more diverse and inclusive world in all of its colours'.

Sophie, who was attacked in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancashire, because of her dress and appearance, died from her injuries almost two weeks later. Mourners were told Sylvia, who passed away in hospital on April 12 aged 69, was 'fired up to act' after Sophie's death and in doing so, she 'turned her unimaginable grief into a force for good in the world'.

Sylvia went on to shape government legislation and advise ministers, helping to draw up a legal definition of alternative subculture. She went on to receive an OBE for her work in community cohesion and toured venues around the UK and Europe as a keynote speaker.

"Her legacy is that Sophie will never be forgotten," said funeral celebrant Neil Overton. "Her name will always represent her mission - stamp out prejudice, hatred and intolerance everywhere."

Close friend, Odette Benatar, in a moving eulogy, revealed Sylvia devised the concept of the foundation while at the Royal Salford Hospital with Sophie before her death.

She went on to say Sylvia