A six-year-old girl who died after a battle with Batten's disease has been buried with her favourite pink ballet shoes.

Chloe Parker-Sheridan, from Southwick, died on November 23.

Her ornate pink coffin covered in flowers was yesterday taken by white horse and carriage to St Nicolas Church, South Street, Portslade, for a funeral service before she was laid to rest at Southwick Cemetery.

The little girl known as "The Princess" had been suffering from Batten's disease, a rare neurological disorder, for three years but had not let it get in the way of her love of dancing, singing and all things pink.

Aunt Janine Spencer-Smith said: "She loved her ballerina outfits, tiaras and handbags.

"She would dance for hours in front of a mirror and bat her eyelids at people.

"She was very fun-loving and made the most of a short life.

"She opened many hearts."

Chloe was the younger sister of Adam Parker, 22, and Darren Parker, 20.

"She loved to be carried around by them and never wanted them to put her down," said Mrs Spencer-Smith.

"She was also very close to our mother who she called nanny Jean' and loved it when she picked her up from school."

Other much loved relatives include Kevin and Lynne Henshaw, Kim Hillary and Debbie Goddard.

Mother Mandy Parker also sent a special thank you to her partner, Peter Smart, who supported her through the difficult time.

Towards the end of her life Chloe was cared for by Chestnut Tree Children's Hospice in Dover Lane, near Arundel.

Her family last night thanked the hospice for the care and dedication staff gave to Chloe, including taking her on a trip to Ireland.