Grieving friends and relatives have shared their poignant memories at the funeral of popular actress Paula Williamson - on what would have been her 39th birthday.
Parents Hazel and Clive Williamson described their daughter as the 'joy of their lives' exactly three weeks after she was found dead at her home in Gordon Street, Sneyd Green.
Mourners heard how the former Holden Lane High School pupil had always demonstrated a passion for performing and went on to land roles in soaps Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. The former Newcastle College student also performed at Edinburgh Fringe.
Today's funeral was held at St Saviour's Church, in Smallthorne, where Paula was a member of the congregation and part of the choir.
A tribute from Paula's parents, which was read by one of her siblings, said: "She was the joy of our lives and kept us young in spirit. She had a real love of animals and there were always dogs and cats around!
"She would always step in if she thought someone was taking advantage of us. She had a great talent for the performing arts and during her acting career she was living her dream."
Paula's siblings added that their sister had a 'vibrancy and zest for life'.
A number of Paula's friends also paid their own tributes.
Richard Dennerley, who worked with Paula at the Odeon in 1998, said: "She would always see the best in people."
Chris Salt, who also met Paula at the Odeon, said: "We clicked instantly over our love of Madonna! This led to us travelling all over to see her in concert.
"She helped me come to terms with who I was as a person. She was always there to pick me up and give me back my smile. It's no wonder her middle name is Joy as that's what she brought to my life and all the others who met her. Everyone needs a Paula in their lives."
Paula hit the national headlines in 2017 when she married notorious prisoner Charles Bronson, who now goes by the name of Charles Salvador. She was waiting for the marriage to be annulled before her death. An inquest has already been opened and adjourned.
Mourners had been asked to wear pink in Paula's memory.
Friend Clare Jones, who performed comedy with Paula, said: "She was my backbone, my confidant, she was also daring and took risks. She didn't do things by halves, it was all or nothing.
"There was nobody like Paula and I don't want to do comedy without her. One of the best things was seeing her laugh."
Father Andrew Swift, who led this afternoon's service, said: "She gave so much to all those who had the privilege to share their life with her."
Donations in Paula's memory will go to Iris's Cats in Need and the RSPCA.
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