Mourners have paid tribute to “kind and caring” nine-year-old Alice Aguiar, who died in the mass stabbing at a dance class in Southport.

Alice’s family and friends read tributes at the well-attended “celebration of life” memorial service at St Patrick’s Church in Southport on Tuesday afternoon.

The service, led by Father John Heneghan, featured hymns and speeches read in English and Portuguese.

Attendees dabbed their eyes as they comforted each other and listened to music sung by a guitarist and a choir.

One speaker, who spoke on behalf of Alice’s family, fought back tears as she said: “Alice, you are the most beautiful, strongest girl in the world and I hope you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep smiling and dancing with the girls.”

She read out another message from the family, which said: “We love you Alice. Your smile is extremely contagious and full of joy. You never fail to uplift everyone’s mood.”

One of Alice’s classmates said: “You will be in our hearts forever. You are the most kindest person in the world, and we know that you are the strongest girl we have ever met.”

A member of staff from Alice’s school read out messages from her classmates, including one which said: “Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts.”

The congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church following the ceremony and applauded after releasing white balloons.