The fact that more than 500 people attended the funeral of Natasha Stapleton says as much about the affection in which she was held as the kind words spoken during the service.

So many people attended that loud speakers were set up outside the church so that everyone could feel part of the ceremony.

What makes the number of mourners so remarkable is that Natasha was just 13 when she lost her battle with cancer.

And even though her life was cruelly cut short, she made more of a lasting impression than most can ever hope to.

As the Reverend David Miller said, Natasha was cheeky, nice and kind - everything that a youngster should be.

But the word brave should be added to that description because, even though she knew she was dying, she faced her fate with great courage.

All of Natasha's close family and friends will remember her in their own way but her death touched so many more.

As her headteacher said, it is amazing how much love a whole community can have.