Friends gathered for the funeral

Her uncle, Dave Jones, an inspector with north Wales Police, had helped to organise the search before realising who the women were.

Two men who attempted to rescue the women were later praised by the police.

The pair, who lived opposite each other in Nant y Coed, Llandudno Junction, had been with a group of friends in Cariad's karaoke bar earlier that evening.

Their final song of the evening, Olivia Newton-John's Hopelessly Devoted to You from the film Grease, was played to mourners at St Michael and All Angel's Church in Llandudno Junction.

The Rev Terry Mart, rector of the Llangystennin parish, said before the service that the opening song would be followed by tributes from the women's close friends and two of their favourite hymns, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace and All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Tributes were laid at the spot where the girls were swept away

Their families, including Miss Hughes' partner, Darren Bond, and her two children, Danielle, five, and two-year-old Ashton, led the mourners.

Miss Hughes, who worked as a retirement home care assistant, and Miss Jones were later being buried next to each other at nearby Llanrhos cemetery.

The mothers of the two women have talked of their grief and said they wanted the funerals to be held jointly.

Margaret Hughes and Ann Owen said the ceremony would be a perfect tribute to the women who did everything together.

"They were the best of friends - they lived their lives together," said Mrs Hughes.