THE LAST wishes of an 11-year-old girl were granted when hundreds of people turned out in pink to pay tribute to their "little princess" at a Kidderminster church this week.

An estimated 200 people turned up to pay their last respects to Stevie-Marie Beard at St George's Church on Tuesday afternoon.

Youngsters clutched pink flowers and comforted each other as the horse and carriage carrying Stevie-Marie's pink coffin drew into the church grounds.

"You are the best, Stevie. You will always be in our hearts" and "God has picked another little angel to sit on his knee" were among the touching messages that adorned the floral tributes and teddies to the popular youngster on what would have been her 12th birthday.

Stevie died after a long battle with a respiratory condition, known as bronchietasis, at Birmingham Children's Hospital on May 23.

Her family, who requested that mourners wear pink, felt the fairytale themed funeral was exactly what she would have wanted.

Rev Hugh Burton, who led the service, welcomed the congregation before the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful was sung.

Comberton Middle School headteacher, Julie Reilly, read a passage from the Bible before the Birmingham Children's Hospital chaplain, Nick Ball, paid tribute to the youngster he met at the hospital before she died.

He talked of Stevie's wishes, among which was one to see her mum and dad, Lesley and Steve Beard, exchange wedding vows. The blessing was later conducted in the intensive care unit of the hospital.

Mr Ball said: "There was Stevie, looking like a little princess in her pink bridesmaid dress on her throne. She was struggling to breathe but loving every minute of it. That will be my lasting memory of her. No matter what, she was always happy, loved to sing and dance and was a much loved pupil at Comberton Middle School.

"She was cheeky and spoke her mind. She could keep brother, Danny, in order when no-one else could. She was his best friend."

He read out a poem penned by Stevie's sister, Sheena and referred to Mr and Mrs Beard, who said it was a "privilege" to be her parents and they enjoyed every single minute they spent with her.

He added that Stevie had not realised her dream of returning home in a pink limousine but her horse and carriage was "fit for a little princess".

Comberton Middle School's deputy headteacher, Sonia Hardiman, said after the service "Stevie will be fondly remembered as a brave, courageous and fun-loving little girl. "

The funeral was followed by cremation at Stourbridge.