HUNDREDS of mourners attended the funeral of a popular pensioner who died from horrific burns after a fire at her flat.

More than 250 people packed into Christ Church in Wanstead to pay their last respects to 73-year-old Vera Arde-Acquah - in one of the biggest funeral services ever held in the parish.

The devout Anglican suffered serious burns during a devastating blaze at her flat, in New Wanstead, last month - which is thought to have been started accidentally - and died in hospital four days later.

The crowd included more than 20 clergy from various churches across London where she had worshipped at various times - together with about 20 staff from Snaresbrook and Chancery Lane Underground stations, who she had befriended over the years.

The Archbishop of Canterbury sent a message of condolence to the family of Ms Arde-Acquah, who counted the Dean of Westminster Abbey and other senior members of the Church of England as friends.

Father Robert Norwood, who had know the extrovert pensioner for more than 25 years and conducted the crematorium service, said she would be deeply missed by the local community.

He added: "Vera was a very passionate and committed Christian and was known and loved by people all over Wanstead and across London.

"She was unmarried, and travelled extensively around the world on pilgrimages, which took her away for long periods.

"She had worked in the fashion industry before her retirement, and had a fascinating life."

Father Norwood said Ms Arde-Acquah - whose family had royal connections in Ghana - had a passion for food, and was a key supporter of the Cherry Tree Cafe in Woodbine Place.

He said: "She took a wonderful pleasure in life, and loved people. Everyone seemed to know her because she chatted to anyone.

"She obviously had an impact on a lot of lives. When I told a woman at Snaresbrook Tube Station that she had died in a fire she cried for some minutes. That shows how much affection people had for her."

A memorial service for Ms Arde-Acquah is due to be organised during the coming weeks.

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