Thousands bid farewell to Goody

Crowds of fans gather in Essex to mourn UK reality TV star Jade Goody

A fittingly public end for a woman whose life was followed closely by the media.

Hundreds took to the streets to say good-bye to Jade Goody. Some watching the service on big screens outside the church.

Goody's mother was among the mourners, her husband Jack Tweed was one of those carrying her coffin.

Several celebrities also attended.

The 27-year-old died last month, after losing her battle with cervical cancer.

They considered her one of their own, calling her the 'girl next door', the 'girl from Bermondsey'.

And earlier, as her hearse drove by through south London, where she grew up, many threw flowers. Others applauded.

The one-time dental assistant rose to fame in the reality TV show 'Big Brother'.

She rode the highs and lows of celebrity, dividing opinion.

But medics all over the UK praised her for encouraging women to come forward for screening tests.

She became a star in Britain but was known all over the world.

And her death, just like her life, was carried out under the camera lense.

Sarah Barden, Reuters.