MARGARET May Atwell went out in style as a New Orleans jazz band escorted her funeral procession in Pill, Newport, today.

Margaret, a great-great-grandmother, known as Mayo and by her maiden name Kalter, died on March 4 aged 95 at Caple Grange Nursing Home.

Family members followed the funeral procession, which included a horse-drawn hearse, from the Picton Arms in Commercial Road to St Stephen’s Parish Church.

The service was followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium and a celebration of her life was held at Baneswell Social Club.

Mrs Atwell had 11 children, 56 grandchildren as well as great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A family member, who did not want to be named, said the New Orleans jazz band was Mayo’s idea, as she “loved a party” and a wanted to “go out in style”.

Mayo was born in Emlyn Street and had spent her entire life in Pill. She had been a full-time mother and lived independently until she moved to Caple Grange Nursing Home, just eight days before she died.

The family member added: “It’s a celebration of her life. That was what she wanted.

“She loved a party and always loved to have a big birthday party every year.

“Everybody who met her loved her. She was a very popular person. She was very much loved by all of her family.”

Here's some video of her spectacular procession through Pill today: