Myra, who was also known as Myra Hocking, died in January, aged 79. She was a well-known journalist for the Guardian through the 50s, 60s and 70s.

At her bequest, her ashes were scattered at Morecambe Bay, during a small service led by humanist celebrant Chris Haine.

The Red Rose band, which included several of Myra's friends from her involvement in the South Ribble Jazz Club and annual jazz festivals at Worden Park, led the procession along the seafront and on to the pier.

Myra's sister-in-law, 90-year-old Irene Wilkinson from Leyland described how she first met Myra - when she rushed in as a 16-year-old to babysit so Irene could go and exercise her right to vote.

Daughter Olwyn spoke alongside her sister Pauline about the impact Myra had on many people throughout her life, and a specially written poem from another friend was read out.

The former Balshaw's Grammar School pupil was known to many people in Leyland for being the wife of the late Les Hocking, a long-serving Labour councillor, leader and former mayor.

She would often be seen with her notebook at events and interviewed many local and national celebrities.