FAMILY and friends gathered to say a final farewell yesterday to a little girl who touched the hearts of many.

About 100 mourners attended the funeral of three-year-old Kaylie Precious King at St Andrew's Church, in Haughton, Darlington.

Kaylie, who had a severe form of cerebral palsy, died last week after contracting pneumonia.

Her white coffin, decorated with pictures of brightly-coloured balloons, arrived at the church covered with floral tributes in a horse-drawn carriage.

The coffin was carried into the church as the song, Wind Beneath My Wings, was played.

The service was led by the Reverend Becky Lumley, who christened Kaylie.

The hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful was sung, before a special prayer and Bible readings were said.

A tribute remembering Kaylie was read by the Rev Lumley. She said: "I first met Kaylie in March 2005 when we prepared for her baptism. Paul and Maria were both baptised with their daughter and it was a very special day.

"I was struck by two things as I met with the family - firstly, how beautiful Kaylie looked in her princess-like baptism dress, and secondly, how she was the focal point of the family. She was surrounded by care and was deeply loved.

"Kaylie touched my heart. I know she had the same effect upon many others.

"Paul and Maria told me of how people would remember their little girl. She was such a good child, who rarely cried despite her illness. Kaylie just got on with life and she was a real fighter, battling for life.

"Kaylie liked being around people. She would turn her head to hear when people were speaking and, occasionally, would reward them with a cheeky smile."

The Rev Lumley then read a tribute written by Kaylie's parents, Paul, 41, and Maria, 26, before Kaylie's ten-year-old brother, Jamie, lit a candle for her on behalf of the family.

Music, called I Love You, was played and prayers were said.

The coffin was carried out of the church to Westlife's Queen of My Heart and mourners were invited to light a candle for Kaylie.

As well as her parents and Jamie, Kaylie leaves sister Leah, brother Alfie, step-brothers Michael and Anthony, and grandparents Kathleen King and Barbara and Angus Mackay.