TEARFUL mourners gathered in Lytham last Friday to say goodbye to Emma-Jane Farrar, the four-year-old who died after a tragic incident during a swimming trip.

A service of thanksgiving to celebrate Emma-Jane's life was held at St Cuthbert's Church at 1.30pm, conducted by Canon Godfrey Hirst.

Wreaths lined the pathway to the church door, many in the shape of teddy bears. Among the arrangements was one from Emma-Jane's classmates at Park School and one from the pupils, staff and governors of the school.

A note with one of the wreaths read simply: "There's a little angel in heaven, another star in the sky."

As mourners arrived for the service, Park School band played hymns which included Morning Has Broken, Abide With Me and One More Step Along The World I Go.

Emma-Jane's love of music was a central theme of the service during which Canon Hirst played the little girl's favourite tape recording of Cliff Richard's Millennium Prayer.

He said: "We perhaps wonder what we have missed by not seeing her grow up, but what is important today is not that we dwell on what might have been, but to dwell on our thankfulness for who she was, what she accomplished in her short life, what she taught us, what she gave us -- for the sunshine she brought into our lives."

Park School pupil Emma-Jane died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 9.40pm on November 13 after getting into difficulties during a school swimming lesson at neighbouring Woodlands School, Whitegate Drive, that morning.

During the service, Park School headmaster Keith Berry paid tribute to Emma-Jane describing her as "a little star". He said: "Her love of singing and music was well know both at home and at school.

"Emma's strength of personality and character made such a positive impact in school. I'm sure that this little star will forever twinkle in our thoughts and in our hearts."

Blenheim Lodge health visitor, Margaret Carter, told the congregation how the youngster loved to dress up and sing. "Our receptionist at Blenheim used to call her 'our little songbird'," she said.

"Whatever Emma did in nursery she did it wholeheartedly. She was a bright, shining star in everything she achieved. Memories of Emma will be with us forever."

The service was followed by a private committal service at Lytham's Park Crematorium.