THE funeral for an inspirational cancer battler took place this morning.

Sarah Lamb was honoured with a colourful celebration of her life, as mourners wearing bright Hawaiian shirts, pink cowboy hats and colourful floral dresses gathered to pay their respects to the mother-of-three.

She was a pivotal part of Barrow cancer support group Lookin Good Feelin Great.

Mrs Lamb, 42, of Ulverston, died on April 26 after losing her brave fight against cancer, just days after celebrating her first wedding anniversary to husband Keith.

Mourners came together at Barrow's Thorncliffe Crematorium to remember the inspirational woman who courageously battled the rare, incurable squamous cell carcinoma rectal cancer after being diagnosed in May 2015.

The family had asked people attending not to wear black, as they wanted to see a colourful service, particularly pink.

Smiling was also encouraged, as Mrs Lamb approached life with a big, happy smile on her face.

Mrs Lamb was carried into the crematorium to Rachel Platten's Fight Song .

Lesley Wood led the service, telling people: “This is a hard and painful part of the healing process.

“Sarah would not want to be remembered with sadness, but with a big smile and fond memories of happy times.

“Don't think of her in terms of what you've lost but give thanks for the love, friendship and inspiration she brought to your lives.”

The service heard of Mrs Lamb's dedication to her family and friends, especially the Lookin Good Feelin Great ladies.

Rarely missing meetings and get-togethers, Sarah became a stalwart of the group after being Miss July for a calendar which raised £22,000 for charity.

She sported a balloon dress which would become an iconic feature of her life.

Mrs Lamb associated balloons with celebrations, releasing them at her wedding and reception.

The Lookin Good Feelin Great ladies released more than 60 red, pink and purple balloons into the sky after the funeral service.

A tribute was made on behalf of the group by Gill Tyson, who said: “Little did Sarah know when she agreed to help us with the calendar that she would be wearing a dress made out of balloons.

“Through everything, she never stopped smiling and making the most out of life.

“She was stubborn, beautiful and, above all, a great friend. We'll all miss her greatly.”

The service was due to be held last week, but was postponed after Sarah's widower, Keith Lamb, broke his leg in a fall at Bardsea.

Donations were made for St Mary's Hospice, with the wake held at The Devonshire Arms, Ulverston, following the service.