Hundreds of mourners, many wearing items of pink clothing as a mark of respect, packed into a tiny Shropshire church to bid farewell to an 11-year-old girl who died suddenly while on holiday in North Wales.

Heartfelt tributes were paid to Layla Pitt by friends and family at her funeral in St Milburga’s Church, Beckbury.

The talented girl from Ivatt Close, Dawley, had studied since the age of three with the Carmichael School of Theatre Arts at Oakengates.

The congregation was reduced to tears during the service when a recording of Layla’s singing voice was played in the church.

She died at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on August 6 after suffering a brain haemorrhage a day earlier at a supermarket in Caernarfon, Gwynedd.

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Her family had asked mourners to wear an item of pink clothing – making the service into a sea of the late youngster’s favourite colour.

The Reverend David Chantrey led the service, calling it a celebration of Layla’s life.

David Askins, Layla’s grandfather, told the congregation: “Layla was quite simply the busiest 11-year-old I have ever met.

“She loved to sing and dance, and write, produce and direct a series of plays which were always performed at the drop of a hat.

“She was the happiest of children – caring, grateful and thoughtful.

“Good night, sleep well my dearest and thank you for nearly 12 happy, happy years.”

Layla’s voice echoed through the church, where her parents Rachel, 35, and Tristan, 37, were married, as recordings showcasing her love of singing and performing were played.

The former Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Primary School pupil’s faultless renditions of Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On and Leona Lewis’s Bleeding Love were played to the congregation.

Staff from Alder Hey Hospital, who had treated Layla, were so moved by her death that they attended the service to offer their condolences.

So many people attended the funeral that about 50 mourners lined the churchyard to hear the service relayed through loudspeakers.

A collection was held to raise money for a “fitting tribute” to Layla, who is survived by sister Liberty, seven, and three-year-old brother Alfie.

By Tom Johannsen