MORE than 200 people lined the streets of Hapton on Friday to attend the funeral of mother-of-two, Lindsay Birbeck.

Police stopped traffic as the hearse made its way down Manchester Road to St Margaret’s Church.

Lindsay's coffin was covered in flowers and mourners in black could be seen wiping away tears as the sun shone down on the village.

Photograph by Ed Sheeran was played as Lindsay's family carried the coffin into the church, followed by friends and loved ones, with many having to remain outside and listen to the funeral on specially erected speakers.

The moving ceremony, led by Reverend Mark Jones, began with prayers and was followed by the hymn, Amazing Grace.

Tributes from Lindsay's family, including son Steven and daughter Sarah were read out by Rev'd Jones, who said her children remembered how much fun they used to have with their mum and dad on the holidays they would take together.

They spoke of how their mother loved the sun, and Sarah recalled a time they visited the Greek island of Skiathos, only because it was the place where Mamma Mia was filmed, and Lindsay was a huge Abba fan.

The children said they always kept Lindsay on her toes, and that she was the most generous person you could ever come across.

Rev'd Jones said: "Even though we can't make any more memories, our lives will be filled with all the special ones we already have."

A book at the back of the church displayed heart-felt hand-written messages from those who knew Lindsay, with one reading: "There are no words for such sadness felt from our village."

Another one said: "The world is such a sadder place without your smile, Lindsay. 

"Thank you for being a part of our lives."

A special recorded tribute from friend, Sharon Griffiths was also played in the church in which Ms Griffiths said: "Just a quick message before you have to leave. This has to be one of the hardest, saddest days of my life, my heart is broken.

"I will never forget you, this next song is dedicated especially for you.

"Until we meet again, Lindsay, love always."

The Lewis Capaldi song, Someone You Loved was then played as the congregation took time to reflect.

Lindsay went missing from her home in Huncoat, Accrington, on Monday August 12, and her disappearance prompted wide-ranging searches by hundreds of members of the community.

Her body was found in Accrington Cemetery on Saturday, August 24, and a murder inquiry was launched.

Following investigations, a 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with her murder and is due to stand trial next year.

At the time, her children Steven, 19, and Sarah, 16, described her as “a great mum and wife, much-loved daughter, loving aunty and sister-in-law and a great friend”.

Rev Jones then thanked those who had helped in the search for Lindsay when she first went missing, and also expressed gratitude on behalf of the family to the police, as well as thanking the community for their kindness and support.

He said: "We feel shock and dismay that something like this could've happened in our community.

"Many of us will be feeling angry that something so awful could happen to Lindsay.

"She was cherished by her family, and we ask that justice will be done in this matter and pray for Lindsay's family."

The funeral ended with the Lord's Prayer and Lindsay's coffin was taken from the church while Abba's When I Kissed the Teacher played in the background.

A private committal took place at Burnley Crematorium, with only close friends and family in attendance.