Two women who died in a waterfall tragedy while on holiday in Wales were given a "truly beautiful" send off by family and friends.

Around 200 people attended the funeral of Helen and Rachael Patching, from West Malling, yesterday – with many others joining by video link.

Helen, 52, and Rachael, 33, were found dead after visiting Ystradfellte Falls in Powys, Wales, after they disappeared on January 4.

An inquest earlier this month revealed the "selfless and devoted" duo both drowned.

Friend and colleague of probation worker Helen, Sophie Soph, paid tribute to the couple who got married in 2015.

She said: "It was a very sad day, but truly beautiful. The ceremony of life was filled with so much love and many happy memories.

"No one will ever forget Helen and Rachael. They’re on their next adventure now."

Rachael's brother Matthew said: "The day was an incredibly sad occasion but so heart-warming to see such love and support from everyone that attended – including four representatives of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, these guys are absolutely unsung heroes.

"We were honoured to see so many people there just to get some small idea as to how many people's lives they touched.

"It was such a fantastic celebration and one they’d have been proud of. It was the send-off they deserved and everyone that attended made sure of that. "

There were two services – a relatively formal church service at Holy Apostles Church in Swanley and then another more secular event where tributes and readings were done at Vinters Park Crematorium in Maidstone.

Among those watching via video link were old colleagues from Animal Rescue Cambodia where they volunteered previously.

A wake was then held at the Moody Mare pub in Maidstone.

Rachel and Helen's devastated families had previously paid tribute to the two women.

In a joint statement, they said: "We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss following the news of Rachael and Helen’s passing at just 33 and 52.

"They were such a devoted, selfless, and loving couple having had an immensely positive impact on all those they met.

"Their love for animals and dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made them a truly admirable credit to themselves and society."

Fire service crews, mountain rescue workers and national air support services were all involved in the four-day search for the women.

Emergency service officials had said high levels of fast-flowing river water and the bad weather had made their rescue mission even more difficult.

The families thanked the search teams for providing "such generous support and guidance and for helping so selflessly at such a difficult time".