THE horse racing industry will never forget Atherton stable girl Rebecca Davies who was killed in a tragic riding accident, mourners at her funeral were told.

The Rev Graham Locking, the National Chaplain to Horseracing, told the hundreds of mourners who attended the service at St Michael's Church, Leigh Road, Atherton, yesterday that a plaque will be put up in her honour. A tree may also be planted in her memory and a minute's silence has been held at race meetings across the country.

Rebecca, who loved horses, was killed in a tragic accident while exercising a horse last Tuesday She was dragged for more than quarter of a mile when her foot became caught in a stirrup after being unseated from the horse she was exercising.

Her employer, Lincolnshire trainer James Given and his staff, were among the strong racing representation at the funeral.

Mr Locking paid tribute to Rebecca, aged 19, on behalf of the racing world: "Many people work a lifetime in racing, but they will hardly ever be remembered. Becky had been working in the industry but for a few months, but she will never be forgotten," he said. He said Rebecca had loved horses and he spoke of her cheerful face, brilliance and energy.

Sunlight streamed through the church's leaded windows as Rev Derek Simpson lead the service in the same church where Rebecca, of Allenby Street, was both baptised and confirmed. Family and friends sang All Things Bright and Beautiful, The Lord Is My Shepherd, and Shine Jesus Shine - one of Rebecca's favourite hymns, and there was a reading from St John's Gospel Chapter 14.

Mr Simpson said Rebecca had enriched the lives of those who had known her.

He said: "Rebecca wasn't a saint but then none of us are. She was a warm, loving, caring person full of life, interested in everything."

He added that she had the ability to make people laugh and had been a beautiful person in every way.She began riding at the age of seven. and loved animals so much she became a vegan when she was 12.Instead of taking A-levels, Rebecca, a former Parklee Primary and Canon Slade pupil, chose to enter the racing world. She even turned down an opportunity of a modelling career to work with horses.

She graduated from the British Racing School in Newmarket and began working as a "stable lad" for James Given earlier this year. Since the accident, Rebecca's heartbroken parents, Pat and Barry, and sister Sophie have been inundated with cards and Mr Simpson called on relatives and friends to continue to support them.

Mr Simpson said: "Modestly, she said she was an ordinary person trying to live an ordinary life, but all I can say from knowing her is I wish there were more like her."

A a private cremation ceremony was held at Howe Bridge Crematorium.