A huge wave of grief swept through hundreds of sobbing mourners today as the angelic voice of tragic York schoolgirl Lizzie Gilmour sang for them one last time.

Lizzie's name is spelled out by flowers in a hearse

Lizzie, 15, who was knocked down and killed on the A1237 York ring road not far from her home in St Stephen's Road, Acomb, had idolised Canadian singer Celine Dion.

A recording of Lizzie singing the artist's hit song My Heart Will Go On, from the film Titanic, triggered an uncontrollable outburst of emotion at today's service.

St Stephen's Parish Church in The Green, Acomb, was filled with relatives from Lizzie's large family, friends, and classmates from nearby Lowfield School, where Lizzie was a popular pupil.

Many sobbed uncontrollably and hugged each other for comfort as the voice of the girl they loved so much filled the church with the song's heart-rending words.

Hundreds of mourners filled in books of condolence as they filed into the church.

The Rev Dave Caswell, vicar of Clifton Parish Church, led Lizzie's family and mourners towards the church.

They stopped outside and Lizzie's coffin was carried into the church by her father Dave, and her brothers Peter, Paul and Carl, as they fought a losing battle against floods of tears. Lizzie's tearful mother Rose followed the coffin comforted by her brother, Terry Bellwood. The touching R Kelly song If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time was played at the start of the service.

Mr Caswell told the congregation: "We come here today with regrets, we come with questions, we come with a great deal of pain, perhaps anger too and disbelief. "We come wishing we could turn back the hands of time and we come with denial and certainly heartbreak.

"Each of you has a reason for being here and it will be a comfort to this family in the days ahead, that this place is packed out this morning."

Lizzie's best friend, Vicky Allington, fought back tears as she told mourners: "It's hard to put into words all the fun that we had over the last 12 years. I could always guarantee that when we were together we would always be laughing and joking about something. I was always very lucky to have a friend like you and I can't believe you're gone.

"Our dream was that we would become famous together one day and if it comes true for me you will always be by my side and in my thoughts."

School friend Niel Hartley read a poem about Lizzie entitled Our Angel. He said: "I bless the ground you walk upon. Forever you will walk on and on."

Mr Caswell, who described Lizzie as a "beautiful, talented, loving, unique young woman", said it was good to hear the warmth, love and affection and pride Lizzie's family had in her.

He said: "In their grief they saw they had much to be thankful for".

Lizzie looked destined to be a singing star.

She was being professionally coached and was halfway through recording a compact disc of love songs to launch her career.

Mr Caswell said: "Lizzie was the one with such energy and joy and such love. She was the noisy one. The one who was always singing and dancing upstairs, dancing in her room and causing a distraction to her family. But now they would love to hear that distraction again."

And he told the young people at the service: "Death doesn't come knocking at young folks' doors. We are not used to thinking that death will happen to us and one of the most tragic questions around Lizzie's death is why. Why now? And why in a way which means we can't say goodbye?"

Another of Lizzie's favourite songs, Macy Gray's I Try, was played as her flower decked coffin was carried out of the church.

A funeral cortege bearing floral tributes which read 'Lizzie and cousin' carried her coffin and the family to York Crematorium for a private service.

John Thompson, head teacher at Lowfield School, said the school had held a memorial service for Lizzie yesterday.

Poetry and Bible passages were read out to around 250 pupils who gathered in the school hall.

"It was a very moving and appropriate way to remember her, and her friends in particular showed a great deal of courage," said Mr Thompson.

"We are all very proud of the way they handled themselves."

The Evening Press was invited to cover today's funeral. We offer our condolences to Lizzie's family and friends.

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