School pals' sad farewell to Francesca

So popular was the fun-loving 15-year-old that a live video link-up of the service was shown on a big screen in the church hall for those who couldn't fit into the main chapel.

In a service designed to celebrate her life rather than mourn her, Francesca's favourite pop song, Dilemma, by Nelly and Kelly, was played as her small white coffin was carried in and out of the church.

Only weeks before she was requesting the song as she danced happily with more than 70 friends at an early 16th birthday party.

She was taken ill on Thursday October 17, fell into a coma the following day and had her ventilator switched off with her family at her side on the following Tuesday. The official cause of death was meningococcal meningitis.

Francesca had returned to Bexhill High in March after spending 10 months in Australia with her parents, Don and Jill, and brother Fraser.

Her step brother Martin travelled back from Australia when Francesca fell sick and read tributes at the funeral from her former classmates at the Gisbourne High School, New South Wales.

Bexhill High head Mike Conn read a verse from the Book of John and the congregation sang the hymns Lord of the Dance, Morning Has Broken and Amazing Grace.

The Rev David Frost, who has close links with the school and a daughter in the same year as Francesca, delivered the sermon.

He said: "No parents ever think they are going to have to go through this and we can only imagine how you (Don and Jill) are feeling today. But we do want you to know that you are surrounded with love and care and support.

"Fran's untimely death has rocked this community as indeed it should have, not just because of her age but because it's so close to home. I was in the school for most of the day that Fran died. The sense of grief and anger and disbelief was palpable.

"I know from the talks I have had with Don and Jill that they have felt very supported by everyone, not least for the amazing numbers of people who have come to this service today.

"Fran was a gifted, happy and sassy young lady, very friendly and outgoing and popular. I guess the major question of 'why Fran?' is the one question that just can't be answered."

School friend Gwen Elias sang a personal adaptation of another of Francesca's favourite pop songs accompanied on guitar by Mark Wells.

A retiring collection raised more than 700 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

The school is now considering a permanent memorial for Francesca which could include an annual arts prize in her name.