TEARFUL mourners today attempted to come to terms with the death of murdered York backpacker Caroline Stuttle.

Hundreds of family and friends left All Saints' Church in Huntington, to the lyrics of the Beatles' Let It Be - reflecting her parents' determination not to allow their daughter's death stop others from realising their dreams.

That theme ran throughout the service.

Caroline, 19, a former York College student from Huntington Road in the city, was murdered as she travelled across Australia with her friend, Sarah Holiday, also aged 19.

She fell 30 feet from a bridge in the town of Bundaberg, Queensland. Police believe she had been robbed.

Sarah arrived at the church about half-an-hour before Caroline's coffin, which followed a crescent-shaped wreath in colours representing a rainbow.

The church was packed with 230 people for the service, which was relayed by speakers to another 100 people outside.

They heard family friend Brian Gledhill say: "She had wonderful dreams.

"We hope Caroline's death will not stop the youth of today from dreaming, and enjoying their dreams, and learning about the wonderful world in which we live."

Caroline's college psychology teacher, Jo Taylor, told the gathering: "Everyone who met Caroline loved her wonderful spirit.

"Let's make sure her influence on those whose lives she touched doesn't end here."

Mourners also heard a message from Bundaberg's mayor, Kay McDuff, read by Huntington vicar the Rev Chris Cullwick.

He said: "While not everyone got to meet Caroline during her short time with us in this city, I can assure you she will be lovingly remembered by its citizens.

"Caroline's death caused our community much grief."

The private service, led by Mr Cullwick, began with My Heart Will Go On, the theme song from one of Caroline's favourite films, Titanic.

A collection was made for a fund set up in her name that aims to help young people realise their dreams.

In a courageous message made to other parents after Caroline's death, her mother, Marjorie, and father, Alan, had pleaded: "Those of you that have daughters, please believe in their dreams and let them pursue their desire to travel and experience life. Let them fly."

Mr Cullwick said: "Speaking to Caroline's family and friends, I am very much aware that nothing I can say will in any way meet their sense of loss.

"But I hope I can find the words to point to the hope that is ours, our hope in Jesus Christ, even now, even in the very darkest situations."

Afterwards in a statement, Caroline's father thanked the press, the police and all those who had supported the family.

Mr Stuttle said: "As an artist of over 40 years I had not realised how many lives I had touched, and yet Caroline's short life touched hearts world-wide.

"Thank God for her life and love."

Updated: 14:58 Tuesday, April 23, 2002