Betty Campbell funeral: 'An inspiration to us all'

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Media caption,

A band led the funeral procession to the church

Hundreds of mourners paid their respects to Wales' inspirational first black head teacher, Betty Campbell.

Her funeral procession filed through the streets of Butetown in Cardiff behind a band playing When the Saints Go Marching In.

One mourner said: "I can think of no better word to describe Mrs Campbell than a saint."

The funeral service for Mrs Campbell, who died aged 82, took place at St Mary the Virgin Church in Butetown.

Mrs Campbell, who had been unwell in the months leading up to her death on 13 October, was described by her family as "an inspiration to us all".

The former Butetown councillor was awarded an MBE for her services to the community and education.

Her family said she "proved that with determination anything is achievable". First Minister Carwyn Jones described her as "a true pioneer".

After growing up in Tiger Bay, Mrs Campbell worked as a teacher in multi-racial areas of the city, first in Llanrumney and then at her local Mount Stuart Primary.

She later became head teacher at Mount Stuart, despite being left in tears after being told at school this dream was "insurmountable" in post-war Britain.

She was also a member of the preparation committee for the opening of the National Assembly in 1998.

Image caption,

Betty Campbell taught at Mount Stuart Primary in Butetown for 28 years

Image source, Walesonline.co.uk
Image caption,

Prince Charles visited Mrs Campbell's school for a St David's Day eisteddfod in 1994