UP to 1,000 mourners are expected at the funeral next week of a Romany gypsy woman.

Diane Isaacs, 83, of Spencer Avenue, Taunton, who was known among travellers as the Gypsy Queen, died on February 17.

Her daughter Jennifer Winter said: “She was a very wise woman and well known among the traveller community and in Taunton.”

Mrs Isaacs, who was a widow, had 13 children, four of whom predeceased her, and 129 grandchildren, including one great, great, great granddaughter.

Her coffin will be carried by horse-drawn carriage from her home to Taunton Deane Crematorium for the funeral at lunchtime on Tuesday.