HUNDREDS of people turned up to the funeral of "huge character" Valerie Hartrey last week.

Valerie Hartrey was a member of Plaid Cymru since 1989 and a Vale councillor since 2002. She had also been the chairwoman of the Dinas Powys Community Council three times.

Mrs Hartrey died in Llandough Hospital on May 31 of pneumonia at the age of 78.

Her funeral was held on Thursday last week at St Peter's Church in Dinas Powys, with hundreds turning up to pay their respects.

Rev Andrew James conducted the service and hymns sung included ‘The Lord is my shepherd’ and ‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer.’

The chairman of Dinas Powys Community Council Steve Thomas said that he had been a colleague of Mrs Hartrey for many years and was deeply saddened by her passing.

Fellow community Cllr Chris Franks gave the eulogy. He reminded the congregation of the scope of Mrs Hartrey's work for the community.

He said: “Everywhere you go there will be reminders of Val. From the care she took to ensure that the Ccmmon and local footpaths were properly maintained, by organising litter picks, to fighting for safer roads; When the Voluntary Concern Mini Bus goes past, when we visit the Parish Hall, when we go to the Murch Community Centre - I will remember that Val played a part in ensuring that the community could enjoy these facilities.

"She played such a key part in the life of Dinas Powys. She lived and breathed our community. Val was a stalwart of Plaid Cymru for many years and fought for the interests of our community on the planning committee against inappropriate development.”

The managing director of the Vale County Council Rob Thomas and senior councillors attended the funeral - amongst friends and family of the community councillor.

Friends and family have said that donations in memory of Mrs Hartrey would be welcome for Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern. To donate online visit ww.w.val-hartrey.muchloved.com/ or send donations to the Parkman Funeral Home in Camms Corner, Dinas Powys.