Mourners pay tribute to soprano

Susan Chilcott was described as 'extraordinary'

Around 1,000 friends, family and music lovers gathered for the funeral on Tuesday of soprano Susan Chilcott, one of Britain's leading opera singers.

The 40-year-old died from breast cancer earlier this month at her home in Timsbury, near Bath.

Her husband and agent David Sigall, her four-year-old son Hughie and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby were among the mourners who filled Wells Cathedral for the hour-long service.

Hughie was accompanied into the cathedral by his godfather and guardian-to-be Iain Burnside, a radio presenter and pianist.

Mr Sigall said his wife was an extraordinary person who "exuded presence and charisma".

"She was genuine, trusting, funny and naughty and sometimes sad and melancholy," he said.

He added she was "utterly loveable" but with a "dogged determination" and whose life was "a whirlwind".