APPLAUSE filled Bromsberrow Village Hall as hundreds of people paid tribute to inspirational Rosie Kilburn.

Around 500 friends and family turned up with fresh flowers and lollipops as the 19-year-old was laid to rest yesterday.

Rosie, from Bromsberrow Heath, lost her brave battle with cancer on September 12.

Her parents Jo and Chris, brother Calum and sister Sylvie wanted her funeral to be a celebration of her life and a number of people shared their memories of the remarkable teenager, with applause filling the hall after each tribute was read.

A piece read on behalf of Rosie's 12-year-old sister Sylvie, said: "She never went a day without making someone smile and I hope the little memories continue to do that for ever more."

Poet Tony Walsh led the service talking about Rosie's charity The Knock On Effect which raises money for cancer charities before reading extracts from her column in The Citizen and a poem he had scribed for Rosie entitled A Poem For Rosie.

Rosie's best friend Amy Reynolds, was too upset to speak but her tribute to Rosie, whom she met at Newent Community School eight years ago, was read by her mum Georgina.

She said: "Not only was she funny but she was loyal, incredibly caring and I could trust her with anything. She also taught me how to live for today, not to wait until tomorrow, but to do it today. She was and is my best friend and I am sure I will never share the same bond with anyone else."

Family friend Gwen also paid tribute to the brave teenager who inspired people around the world.

She said: "You have always made me feel special and important. My mum says you even make people you haven't met feel special and important."

Rosie had worked at Thorntons in Gloucester Quays since 2009 and to pay tribute the store was closed yesterday.

The mourners then followed Rosie's wicker coffin, laden with fresh flowers, as it was taken to St Mary's Church in the village for burial.

To find out more about the Knock on Effect and Rosie's work visit www.theknockoneffect.co.uk.