It was a fittingly colourful send-off to a leading light in the campaign for equal rights.

About 200 people came to commemorate and celebrate the life of Chrisie Edkins, who died suddenly at her Hampshire home last month.

As requested by her family, mourners – including a stream of bikers – came to the Southampton Crematorium service in the rainbow colours of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride movement.

The large crowd filed into the chapel for the service to the popular singer and performer, followed by Chrisie’s coffin bearing her name in red and black flowers.

Chrisie, 33, herself a trasngender woman, campaigned for the rights of the LGBT community - something that was very close to her heart.

She was undertaking a huge fundraising drive that saw her performing at gay pride events all over the world for free.

Chrisie was found on June 10 at her West End home, where she was pronounced dead. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and is being investigated by the mid-Hampshire coroner.

A tribute from family and friends described her as an “iconic and positive role model for the transgender community”. She leaves two daughters.