MOURNERS packed a North Yorkshire church to remember a bright young teenager whose life was tragically cut short by a road accident.

When all the seats were taken at Holly Forshaw's funeral yesterday, people sat on the floor, with many more standing outside.

Holly was just 13 when she died following a collision with a car as she crossed the A170 at her home village of Sinnington, near Pickering, on November 25.

Her family had asked people not to wear black to the service of thanksgiving, which was led by Reverend Adam Reed at All Saints' Church, Sinnington.

Her mum, Gaynor, said before the funeral: "It is going to be sad enough as it is - she was only 13. I want it to be a celebration of her life.

Roses and daisies were among the flowers spelling out Holly's name at the front of the church. There, Gaynor read a poem entitled Letter To Mum, which started: "Mum, please don't feel guilty - it was my time to go."

She remained by her elder daughter Siobhan's side as she recited I'm Not Here, a moving poem which began: "Don't stand by my grave and weep, For I'm not there, I do not sleep."

When her voice broke and tears fell, Gaynor read with her until the end.

Young mourners, who were experiencing the loss of a close friend for the first time, comforted each other.

Holly's head teacher, John Tomsett, of Lady Lumley's School in Pickering, read from the school's book of condolences.

"It is clear just how much Holly was loved, deeply, by so many of her friends," he said, describing her as a lively-spirited girl, who was determined, brave, full of energy, and with a love of life.

Holly's neighbour Ann Bishop, of Friar's Hill, Sinnington, recalled the day four years ago when Gaynor arrived on her doorstep with her children, Siobhan, Holly, Nathan and Charlotte.

She said: "There was something about Holly that made her stand out.

"She was tall and willowy. She would look you in the eye as though she was

summing you up.

"You got the feeling she couldn't easily be fooled. There was a directness about her."

The Evening Press was invited to attend the funeral service by Holly's family.

Laughter and tears for Holly

Head teacher of Lady Lumley's School John Tomsett said the contributions to a book of condolences in Holly's memory had made him both laugh and cry:

"Who will we get answers from in Maths now? I will never forget you," wrote one friend.

"Holly will be missed. Our school will be a lesser place without her," wrote another.

"Heaven has another angel - who is going to dare us to be wild now? We will never forget you."

"Holly was always smiling and bubbly. She was an individual who spoke her own mind, a legend and always will be."

"Holly - I don't have a big sister any more to give me the answers of life. I have always known you as a fighter. We are going to have to defend ourselves. But don't feel bad. Your name is engraved on our hearts in gold."

Updated: 10:02 Tuesday, December 06, 2005