The funeral of a seven-year-old girl shot dead by her father was held yesterday.

Mary Shipstone was shot in the head by Yasser Alromisse in front of her house last month as she walked home from school.

The Northiam youngster’s funeral was held at St Mary’s Church in her home village near Rye at 11am yesterday.

The girl’s mother, Lyndsey Shipstone, said: “It has been a month since our beautiful Mary was taken from us but the pain is still as fresh now as it was then.

“Mary was such a fun, bright, inquisitive little girl.

“Losing her so violently has left us in a state of trauma and grief. Her absence feels like a void that cannot be overcome.

“She was such a happy child and I hope the memory of her little smiling face will be what stays with everyone who knew her.

“She will never leave our thoughts but at the moment every day is a struggle for us as we try to come to terms with our grief.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for all their support and the community for the way our neighbours have comforted us in our darkest hour.

“I will never forgot the kindness we have been shown over the last few weeks.”

She added that the family was struggling with the loss and wished to be left to grieve in peace.

The service yesterday was conducted by Rev Rod White, the Rector of St Mary’s Church, Northiam.

There was also a private family committal in Beckley Churchyard.

The Mary Shipstone Memorial Fund set up in her honour to raise money for The Music Well charity, which offers music therapy to children who have suffered trauma, has already received donations of almost £5,000.

To donate to the fund people are asked to visit the website www.gofundme.com/ejpqc8.

A poem was read for Mary by Liz Butt, founder of The Music Well, a therapy group in Rye.

I heard your heartfelt song Welling from your pain, your fear The shadows darkening into light, a tale of flight.

I heard your youthful tune played out with delight A child’s celebration of life conquering the night.

I watched your hands drumming Finding a rhythm of liveliness Comforting, stable, sharing, winning the fight.

Your music ripples out in ever widening circles to touch the hearts of many The music of your life.