LOVING tributes were paid to Carole Hudson CBE at a funeral service for the former chief executive of St Helens Council, who died on holiday in the United States in November.

Family, friends and colleagues filled St Marie’s RC Church in Standish for the mass.

Many mourners said they were still stunned by her untimely death aged just 63.

Husband Geoff and daughter Sarah delivered an inspiring eulogy in which they painted a portrait of Carole as not only the dedicated public servant but also a loving wife, a mum-in-a-million and loyal friend.

They talked with immense pride about how she had started work as a wages clerk and rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful and admired council chiefs in the UK, culminating in the award of a CBE in the 2007 New Year Honours in recognition of her outstanding services to local government.

They also highlighted her love of travel and how family holidays became known as 'Carole’s Tours’ because she wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly… just like in her 'day job'.

After her retirement from the council, Geoff and Sarah said that she had taken up baking and had become an enthusiastic member of the choir at St Marie’s.

There was more time too for her favourite pastime of lacing up her hiking boots and enjoying a good walk, especially in her beloved Yorkshire Dales.

So it is truly fitting that Carole has been laid to rest in the churchyard of St Marie’s where views stretch out across pleasant countryside.