TWO sons paid moving tributes to their mum at her funeral service at the Clyde Coast Crematorium at Largs.

Brian and Ross McMath spoke of their mother Joan Braniff's dedication to family, education and theatre after the much respected Largs lady's recent death at Haylie Residential Home.

Joan, a former president of Largs Players, who passed away at the age of 80 after living with dementia, gave half a century of service to local theatre as an actress, director and costume convener.

Eldest son Brian said that in her career his mum had been head teacher of primary schools in Paisley, West Kilbride and Inverclyde and had loved educating children, retiring as an education advisor in North Ayrshire. She also had a great passion for entertaining audiences through her involvement in amateur dramatics.

Joan played many principal roles with Largs Players before taking over as director of successful shows such as 42nd Street, Anything Goes and Stepping Out. She represented the local club at drama festivals around the country in her own 'very stylish, chic and glamorous way'.

Her first husband, Bill McMath, died suddenly when their boys were young but she found love again with Andrew Braniff, whom she married in 2011. They travelled the world visiting friends and family in their retirement.

Younger son Ross, a police officer, also gave a eulogy with both amusing stories and an emotional tribute, while singer Eddi Reader's version of Ae Fond Kiss was played during a visual showing of family and theatrical pictures.

The Rev. Mark Goodman of St Columba's Episcopal Church in Largs said that Joan's legacy will live on in the generations of children she taught. The service was also attended by her grandchildren and brother Peter.

A collection was taken for the Largs & District Dementia Friendly group.