A young aid worker who fell 100ft to her death on an Indian mountain was today remembered as "a bright star now resting with the angels."

More than 250 mourners packed Southwick Methodist Church to pay tribute to Lianne Mallett, 27, of Old Barn Road, Southwick.

Lianne died while climbing to view a waterfall in the northern Indian region of Dharamsala on June 5.

She had been in the country since February, working as a volunteer in orphanages and refuges.

Lianne's parents, Vince and Marie Mallett, and her 29-year-old brother Sean clasped hands as they followed her coffin in.

Vince Mallett lit a candle in his daughter's memory and the Reverend Julian Albrow spoke of Lianne's generous spirit, her keen sense of humour and her love of singing.

He said: "She was always successful in fulfilling her ambitions and encouraging others.

"She loved her family and really enjoyed their gatherings. Her mum, dad and brother meant everything to her."

He spoke of how, just before she left for India, the family shared "their best Christmas ever."

He read poems by Lianne's friends which used her nickname Li-Li and described her as "bubbly as lemonade", "a bright star in the sky" and "like glowing sunshine in a summer breeze".

One of the poems ended with the line: "Resting with the angels - that's where Li-Li will be."

Recordings were played of The Wind Beneath My Wings, described as "a very special song to Sean and Lianne", and Sunshine, by Gabrielle.

Indian authorities said Lianne's death was "a tragic accident".

She had been taking time off from her job as a window display designer at H & M Hennes in Brighton and a holistic therapies course at City College Brighton and Hove.

Lianne had planned to return at the end of May, but decided to stay in India a few more weeks and was due back last Wednesday.

She made many friends in India and after her death followers of the Dalai Lama held a two-hour ceremony in her honour.

People at the funeral were asked to make donations to the Missionaries Charity of Mother Theresa of Calcutta Trust.

Lianne's family chose the charity because they knew how devoted she was to helping the poor communities of India.