FAMILY and friends gathered to say a final farewell to tragic schoolgirl Sophie Llewellyn.

The moving funeral service for the 12-year-old was held at All Saints Church, Wyke Regis, yesterday.

Around 350 people squeezed into the church to say their goodbyes to ‘the giggly, blue-eyed girl.’ Sophie’s popularity was such that her classmates sat on the floor around the altar, extra chairs were brought in and mourners stood at the back of the church.

People were asked to wear something pink in memory of the fun-loving youngster who died following an incident at her home in Rodwell Road on March 1.

In keeping with the theme, Sophie’s small coffin was also pink.

Classmates of Sophie from All Saints School attended the service alongside parents and teachers.

The Rev Tim West, who is chairman of governors at All Saints, led the service of thanksgiving, which included poems and songs celebrating her life.

He said: “The service was a celebration of Sophie’s life. Sophie’s family had a natural dignity and showed that during a prayer committing Sophie to God’s keeping.

“The family came round and placed their hands on the coffin and could see everyone there who was supporting them.”

Some of the songs sung during the service were taken from Sophie’s favourite films and pop music albums. Mourners sang All For One, from High School Musical 2 and I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman by Britney Spears.

Also played was the classical theme Bella’s Lullaby from teenage vampire film Twilight.

A timeline of Sophie’s life – drawn by her brother – was included in funeral guests’ order of service.

Animal lover Sophie cared for 11 different pets, the Rev West said.

He added: “Sophie was described as a giggly, blue-eyed girl who had 100 different laughs.

“People said she was full of laughter and gave a huge amount in a short time. Her first school report from All Saints showed she was settling in extremely well and had no problems because she could chat to her sisters and friends.

“Sophie’s only bad points were snoring loudly and making a great amount of noise when singing.”

It was heard at the service that she enjoyed camping, night hiking, holidays and knew how to change a nappy.

Sophie’s many achievements were also spoken of – as a Brownie and Guide, a ballet dancer, a drama club member who performed in five pantomimes at the Weymouth Pavilion and as an athlete who triumphed in the South Dorset regional championships 600 metres.

Hundreds of candles were lit in a dedicated prayer corner of the church for Sophie and mourners were invited to sign a remembrance book.

The service for Sophie came after she was found hanging in an upstairs room of her home on March 1.

The Rev Deborah Smith welcomed guests to the service.

She said: “It was a very sad service. Some people were crying all the way through and lots of parents were holding their children trying to comfort them.

The Rev Smith added that the church will remain open for anyone who wishes to light a candle in memory of Sophie.

Donations for a memorial can be sent to Rose Funeral Service, 35 Shrubbery Lane, Weymouth, DT4 9LY. Call 01305 785832 or email info@rose-funeral.co.uk

Poem for Sophie

Sophie, our little shining star,

How very bright you really are,

Our hearts are broken and will not mend,

Our love for you will never end,

Please do not leave us ever again,

But wait for us till we meet again.