It was standing room only as a huge crowd gathered at a memorial service to say goodbye to a much loved Weymouth singer.

People turned out in their droves to pay tribute to ‘the brightest star’ Sheryl Lee at the Ocean Room in Weymouth Pavilion.

The singer, who was well known on the Weymouth pub circuit, died on April 22 aged 62.

Glitz, glamour and songs were part of the celebratory memorial service, which provided a fitting send off for the self-proclaimed diva.

Mourners carried a single pink rose they would later throw onto Sheryl's coffin, lining the route as it left in its hearse.

A loud ripple of applause broke out as it travelled along the Esplanade for Sheryl's final journey.

Stevenage-born Sheryl was diagnosed with alcohol related liver disease and had become so ill that a liver transplant wasn’t possible.

In her last weeks she bravely helped warn others of the dangers of drinking and planned every last detail of her memorial service.

READ MORE: 'Tributes paid to courageous singer who lit up the room'

Mourners were asked to dress in bright colours and wear flowers in their hair.

The coffin was glittery pink and it entered the service to the sound of Goodbye by the Spice Girls, with the lyric ‘Goodbye, my friend’ representative of the close relationships Sheryl had with her tight-knit group of friends.

Dorset Echo: Mourners line the route and throw roses as the hearse passesMourners line the route and throw roses as the hearse passes (Image: Newsquest)

The occasion was referred to as ‘Shez Fest’ and was held as a celebration of Sheryl’s life.

Her friend Tracey Whittle said: “Sheryl was like a ray of sunshine even when she wasn’t feeling at her best she would always have that Pollyanna attitude.

“We will all miss our fun loving, beautiful and kind friend so much.

“When Sheryl received the devastating news that she couldn’t remain on the transplant list she remained so brave.”

People heard how Sheryl was a 'beloved daughter, family member and friend' and 'a devoted diva'.

Dorset Echo: Sheryl and her mother Gina AndersonSheryl and her mother Gina Anderson (Image: Newsquest)

Her mother Gina Anderson, 87, expressed her gratitude to staff at Anning House care home in Weymouth, where Sheryl received palliative care and befriended many of her carers, some of whom attended the celebration. 

READ MORE: 'Tribute paid to Weymouth singer by national charity'

Other music selected by Sheryl and performed by her friends at the service was Where Do You Go to My Lovely originally sung by Peter Sarstedt and No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young) by Queen.

Dorset Echo: Sheryl's friend Dawn performs No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young) Sheryl's friend Dawn performs No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young) (Image: Newsquest)

People were asked to sing along to That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick.

Fond memories were heard of how Sheryl brought people together at the ‘Sunday Club’ at the King’s Arms pub on Weymouth harbourside, where she would make sure drinkers would join in with the song and leave with smiles on their faces.

Dorset Echo: A poem was read paying tribute to the singerA poem was read paying tribute to the singer (Image: Newsquest)

And there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Sheryl’s recording of powerful ballad Hallelujah was played.

Following the blessing the coffin left to a ‘girl power’ anthem selected by Sheryl, Flowers by Miley Cyrus. A cremation was held in a closed setting.

Donations were made to the British Liver Trust and the bar opened after Sheryl 'left the building' with the celebration of her life continuing into the evening.