HUNDREDS of mourners attended the service at Margate crematorium today for schoolgirl Kelsey Murphy who died in a car accident last month.

Former classmates and staff at Hartsdown Technology College, Margate, were among the gathering to pay their last respects to the 16-year-old who died when a Micra being driven by her brother, Aaron, 18, was in collision with a lorry at Hartsdown Road near Margate cricket club.

A public address speaker system was installed to relay the service to those unable to get into the chapel.

The crematorium is just a few hundred yards from the crash site where footpath railings opposite remain adorned with hundreds of floral tributes, soft toys, school ties and shirt with messages of support and sympathy written on them, a decorated Christmas tree, candles and night lites.

Hartsdown College closed for the morning as a mark of respect.

Kelsey’s mother Lorraine Miller is an English teacher at St George’s Church of England School, Broadstairs, where Aaron, is carrying out part of his A level studies.

School principal Keith Rumblo said: "The school staff, students and governors have sent their deepest sympathies to Lorraine and her family. This was a dreadful accident and our hearts are with them."

Aaron, 18, was visited at the Royal Free Hospital in London by staff members who supported their teaching colleague and her family during the days after the accident. He returned home at Christmas.

Mrs Miller said: "Aaron is doing really well and he is almost 100 per cent." She said members of the family were relying on each other for support through their grief and are trying to maintain a semblance of normal life.

She added: "We are taking it one day at a time, and we are keeping each other strong."

She visited St George's to see her Year 11 class last week. She said: "I needed my hugs. St George's has just been unbelievable. The children, staff, the principal and vice-principal have been so supportive."

Fund raising has been carried out at Hartsdown College for a memorial for Kelsey but no plans have been made as to what form it will take.