The funeral of a devoted couple who died within hours of each other was played out to the strains of a lone piper.

North Norfolk News: A service of thanksgiving for the lives of Roy and Audrey Haynes at Cromer Crematorium.Picture: Nick ButcherA service of thanksgiving for the lives of Roy and Audrey Haynes at Cromer Crematorium.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Roy, 87, and Audrey Haynes, 84, who were married for more than 60 years, both died on June 7.

Piper Dave Harper played before a service of thanksgiving for their lives at Cromer crematorium and then again at the end.

In between, David Russell, executive committee member of the North Norfolk Constituency Labour Party (NNCLP), paid tribute to the Yorkshire-born couple. Mr Haynes was twice mayor of North Walsham, in 1998 and 2003.

Mr Russell said: 'Roy and Audrey lived for each other and their family and were committed to the Labour Party and the community where they lived and served.

North Norfolk News: A service of thanksgiving for the lives of Roy and Audrey Haynes at Cromer Crematorium.Picture: Nick ButcherA service of thanksgiving for the lives of Roy and Audrey Haynes at Cromer Crematorium.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

'I always likened Roy to a terrier. A Yorkshire one at that. Once he got his teeth into something he would not let go.

'It's sad that Roy will not be with us when we celebrate the NNCLP centenary next year but I am sure he will be in the thoughts of many of us.

'I would like to conclude with the following words that are appropriate for both Roy and Audrey.

'A community is nothing without people who care about one another. In all communities there are some people who care more than others. Roy and Audrey were certainly two of those.'

North Norfolk News: A service of thanksgiving for the lives of Roy and Audrey Haynes at Cromer Crematorium.Picture: Nick ButcherA service of thanksgiving for the lives of Roy and Audrey Haynes at Cromer Crematorium.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

About 150 people attended the service with many having to stand at the back and sides.

The service was conducted by Robin Watson who read out tributes from the family.

Mrs Haynes was a member of the Mundesley Community Choir which sang You Raise me Up and Amazing Grace.

The couple were also fans of the music of Nana Mouskouri and Life is a like a Butterfly was played.

The service was told that while both were Yorkshire born-and-bred Mr Haynes called himself a 'Norfolk man with a Yorkshire accent'.

Mrs Haynes died at Glendon House care home in Overstrand at about 2.20am while Mr Haynes died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at about 6am.