THE funeral of the six-year-old girl killed by a banned driver in a hit-and-run car crash on New Year's Eve takes place tomorrow.

Rebecca Sawyer died when the family saloon she was travelling in was hit by a stolen car, in Ashington, Northumberland.

Friends and family will gather for a service in St John's Church, Seaton Hirst, Ashington, at 12.15pm, followed by burial in North Seaton Cemetery.

Her killer, Ian Carr, jumped a red light and smashed into the Sawyers' car at speed. Her 18-month-old sister, Kirsty, was critically injured but is now stable in Newcastle General Hospital. Her father, Steven, 33, suffered facial injuries.

Carr, a career criminal who has 89 previous convictions, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court last week. He was remanded in custody to await sentencing.

Rebecca's death even touched Prime Minister Tony Blair, who described it as an appalling and wicked tragedy.

The Sawyer family has asked for donations in lieu of flowers, to Wansbeck and Newcastle General Hospitals, care of Brian Holdroyd, 6 Hesleyside, Ashington NE63 9QR.