A 'SERVICE of thanksgiving' has been held for Eleanor Bolton, the woman who became known as the 'Botley Bag Lady'.

Friends and distant relatives of the well-known Oxford character gathered in the Church of Our Lady Bloxham yesterday.

Among those paying tribute was the former city rector The Very Revd Robert Wilkes and the former vicar of Bloxham, The Right Revd Dr Edward Condry.

Ms Bolton grew up in the north Oxfordshire village and her father was a teacher at the prestigious Bloxham School.

After the service her remains were buried next to her parents in the graveyard.

Those gathered sung hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful and Morning has Broken , in recognition that many would have met Ms Bolton on one of her early morning walks.

Donations were collected to support homeless people in Oxfordshire and a reception was later held at Bloxham School.

Tributes poured in following the death of Ms Bolton, 73, in June.

Friends offered to help fund her funeral until relatives came forward to organise proceedings.