Tears of sadness and laughter were cried by hundreds of mourners as they gathered to celebrate the life of an inspirational teenager.

Emotions ran high as tributes were read at the funeral of Danielle Brooker , which captured the 18-year-old’s bubbly and caring personality.

Danielle, of Nicholas Close, Barming , in Maidstone, died suddenly when a cold rapidly transformed into a brain infection.

At her funeral, in St Michael’s Church, Tonbridge Road, a group of her closest friends spoke of her love of life and promised to continue Danielle’s legacy by keeping her close in their memories.

Relatives and friends, including mum Sharon Brooker, 41, and brother Danny Brooker, 22, sang along to hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful before listening to a heartfelt poem, read by a close family friend.

Brother Danny and best friend Georga Kernick, 18, picked Spice Girls’ Goodbye to end the service.

More pictures and tributes in Friday's Kent Messenger.