Rachael Heyhoe Flint funeral: See the stars from the world of sport and entertainment pay tribute - WATCH

Former Wolves chairman Jonathan Hayward, the son of her friend and ex-Wolves owner Sir Jack, said: "Rachael was a huge part of my life.

"I played cricket against her growing up and no matter how hard I bowled against her I couldn't get her out.

"She was special and of course was an immense help to me when I was chairman of the football club.

"My father described her as his closest friend.

"Of course we wanted to celebrate her life – she was extraordinary – and be happy but the more I heard the more sad I became.

"It was a beautiful service. She was loved ever so much by everyone."

Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, who grew up in the city, said Rachael was an 'inspiration' to female athletes.

She said: "Growing up she was a huge figure. She led the way for women in sport and did so much for female athletes. Her death is a huge loss for the city of Wolverhampton but we have so much to be thankful of because of her."

Steve Morgan, former Wolves owner, was almost in tears as he spoke outside the church following the service.

He said: "She was just one of a kind. They broke the mould when they made her, I'll miss her.

"She is a legend. They never made anyone like her."

Television presenter Angela Rippon said: "She was an absolutely outstanding and remarkable woman.

"I knew of her as a reporter in the early days and was aware of all the amazing things she was doing as captain of the cricket team, but when I got to know her personally she became a very, very dear friend. She was one of enormous determination, but had that sparkle as well."

Mike Gatting, former England cricket caption, spoke of his admiration for Rachael, who he described as a 'forerunner' in the sport.

He said: "She has done so much in her life, she can be so, so proud, as can her family.

"Within the game of cricket she has been a forerunner, a ground breaker and a rule breaker. She has done everything to really push the women's and girl's game and has opened doors which others couldn't and she was a fantastic person.

"She was passionate about everything she did. She would take something on and make sure she would give it her full attention. She certainly did that on many, many occasions."

Devon Malcolm, former England fast bowler, said: "It was a great send-off. She was one of those people with a great sense of humour, and you could see today there was a great deal of celebration.

"I played golf with Rachael and I've never seen anyone with so much energy, very competitive. Everyone will remember Rachael for the type of person she was, her personality."

TV presenter Suzi Perry said: "Rachael was a trailblazer and broke down glass ceilings for women.

"She was Wolverhampton and Wolves through and through.

"She was an icon of this city and gave so much.

"She was a pure inspiration. And she was Our Rachael."

Jez Moxey, former Wolves chief executive who was most recently at Norwich City before leaving last week, said: "She was just fantastic, she made such an impact to so many people and the whole of Wolverhampton came out today to pay tribute to her.

"Listening to Angela Rippon give her eulogy, it brought all those happy achievements she made through her life. I was privileged to be a friend and be in that inner circle of the Wolverhampton gang."

He added: "She was the first person I met when I joined the club. We had a meeting in Penkridge, she became a very close friend right up to her death."

Retired Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray said Rachael helped him and other players through the youth system.

He said: "It was a really good service, a brilliant tribute to Rachael. She has touched the lives of so many people.

"I'll remember her for always being so welcoming.

"I came here as part of the youth system, Rachael was always there to talk to in a way which is unique at football clubs."

He added: "She will never be forgotten."

Also paying their respects during the day were football fans, charity members and women sports enthusiasts.

Many joined the gathering by the Billy Wright statue at Molineux for the start of the procession from the stadium at 1.30pm. Then they stood outside St Peter's Church for the service, from 2pm.