THERE were tears and laughter as hundreds paid their last respects to Redditch United vice chairman Sallie Swan at St James' Church last Thursday.

More than 300 people packed out the venue in Alveston, Warwickshire, including coaches, staff and directors from the football club, to say goodbye to the incredibly popular figure who died after losing her battle with cancer in April.

United chairman Chris Swan and his family led the tributes to Sallie, 56, hailing a practically-minded down to earth woman who always put others first.

In a moving tribute to his wife Mr Swan, describing her selflessness, fund raising for good causes as well as recanting tales of her wicked sense of humour.

Among the many stories which drew warm laughter from those gathered, the club's owner recalled Sallie's humorous probing of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip during a charity event.

He said: "You can judge a person by the number of people they have had an impact on and judging by everyone gathered here she touched so many peoples lives.

"You meet many people in life but only a few leave footsteps in our hearts and my family and I will never forget what a wonderful, loving and wickedly funny person Sallie was.

"We were together 39 years but we said I love you everyday, particularly when we were apart, and I feel we loved enough for six lifetimes."

Son Craig read a poem, while sister Valerie Dyer and friends Gary Barak and Sandra Arnold also made heartfelt tributes.

Mrs Swan was also one of the main driving forces of Redditch United's resurgence and a club scarf was placed on her coffin.

"When we took on Redditch United, the club was on its knees and bankrupt but Sallie was the driving force in rebuilding the club. She had a tremendous passion for the club," added Mr Swan.

The moving service also featured songs by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel and Billy Joel.

After the main funeral, close family said a final farewell in a private service.