MORE than 200 people gathered at the funeral of Abi Guy, the Colne girl who was killed in a tragic accident on her father's farm.

Pupils from Laneshawbridge Primary School, where five-year-old Abi was about to start her second year, sang the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful", chosen by Abi's parents Graham and Jo because it summed up their little girl.

The service yesterday at St John's Methodist Church, Colne, ended with one of Abi's favourite songs, "Tomorrow" from the musical Annie.

Abi died nine days ago after being hit by a reversing tractor and tanker at Shaygate Farm, Skipton Old Road, which is farmed by her father and grandfather Clarence.

Her funeral service was taken by the church's minister, the Rev Laurence Potter, the father of one of Abi's schoolfriends.

He described the service as a "tragic and sad occasion" and paid tribute to the "little angel". He said parents could not wrap their children in cotton wool and protect them from life's dangers.

Abi's class teacher, Diana Smith, and head teacher Eileen Bleasdale, spoke of the little girl who was always helping others, getting involved with school life and always there to help comfort her friends. Mrs Bleasdale said dealing with Abi's death had been the hardest thing she had had to do in her teaching career.

A garden centred around a silver birch tree will be created in the school grounds as a lasting tribute to Abi.

A short memorial ceremony was held at the school on Wednesday.

The 40-minute service was followed by burial at Colne Cemetery. The service was held at St John's rather than the smaller Laneshawbridge Methodist Church because of the large number of mourners.

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