MORE than a hundred mourners celebrated the life of tragic Burnley student Jackie Ryding in an emotional farewell.

Jackie was killed when she and boyfriend Danny McNamara were struck by a van on April 25 as they walked on the pavement along the A59 in Ormskirk, where they attended college.

Danny, originally from Plymouth, had both arms and legs broken as well as several ribs.

He has been recovering in Southport General Hospital and bravely managed to attend the funeral in a wheelchair.

St Andrew's Church, Duke Bar, was packed yesterday as family and friends said goodbye to the popular 20-year-old.

Parents Graham and Alison, of Prairie Crescent, had asked mourners not to wear black for the funeral.

The Rev Peter Hapgood-Strickland said that they were there in celebration of Jackie's life and to remember what she meant to them.

Jackie's younger sisters placed symbols of their much-loved sister's life on her coffin - ten-year-old Shona putting down a favourite cuddly toy and 18-year-old Nuala a book.

Fr Hapgood-Strickland spoke warmly as he recalled the family's anecdotes of their happy memories and times with Jackie.

He said: "Although she was quite reserved and had that lovely smile, there was a great inner warmth that I know those close to her grew to understand and admire."

He said she was blessed with a sense of humour and wanted to be "Peter Pan" adding, "she wanted to stay a child forever."

Even at the grand old age of 20 she announced that she did not want to grow any further and wanted to remain a teenager."

He said everyone felt proud for Jackie being part of their lives.

Edge Hill College head of history Tony Webster said the university felt a profound sense of loss.

He said Jackie was going from strength to strength academically and was universally popular.

He added: "To lose such a young person in such tragic circumstances is a terrible and bitter experience indeed.

"It's important to recognise Jackie's is a life to celebrate. We will always remember her with admiration, love and affection."

Fr Hapgood-Strickland said: "In their 19 months together they had become just one item, and Danny became very much part of the family.

"She would defend him to the ends of the earth."

Favourite songs Angel's Calling by rock band Rooster, The Best of Me by Ronan Keating and Always by Bon Jovi were played.

The funeral was followed by a private burial.

l Two Merseyside men will appear at Preston Crown Court on August 1 after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking. One of the men is also accused of not having insurance