"YOU will always be in my heart."

That was the emotional farewell paid to car crash victim Hayley Nalepa yesterday.

Her boyfriend Shaun Dreczewicz wrote the line in a heartfelt poem expressing his grief as hundreds gathered to say their goodbyes.

Holy Trinity Church in Longlevens turned into a sea of blue as mourners wore clothes to remember the 23-year-old's favourite colour.

The former Gloucestershire College student died on July 15 alongside friend and work colleague Chris Ball in a crash on the A46 Sedgeberrow bypass.

Even her coffin was electric blue and some family members had streaks of blue in their hair.

Hayley, from Longlevens, was known as 'Pineapple' to some and sunshine and 'Sparky' to others.

A floral tribute in the shape of the fruit was carried from the hearse as Hayley's coffin entered the church, in Church Road, to the sound of All 4 One's I Swear.

The service, led by Reverend Canon Tim Newcombe, included hymns The Lord Is My Shepherd and All Things Bright and Beautiful.

People were invited to walk to the front of the church and place tiny blue flowers on top of her coffin.

The Rev Newcombe spoke of Hayley's love for her friends and family, her recent trip to T4 on the Beach, her love of music and her passion for sport.

Hayley's boyfriend Shaun wrote his emotional poem in the order of service.

It said: "You are my amazing girlfriend. You are in my heart. I am so lucky to have been in your life. We had so much to do and we will do it.

"You are my life, my star. Love you more and more baby. I just want you back Hayley.

"Lots of love, yours forever, Shaun.

"PS. You will always be my pineapple!"

As Hayley's coffin was carried from the church laden with flowers, the song Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, made famous by Monty Python, was played.

The Rev Newcombe said: "Hayley always looked on the bright side of life.

"When you listen to this song, don't think of the film, but think of Hayley."

After the crash, Hayley's parents Jane and Steven said they were devastated by the loss of their daughter, who went to Elmbridge Junior School, Oxstalls School and later Cheltenham College before training as an electrician.

The funeral of Mr Ball, 45, will take place at Gloucester Crematorium at 3.30pm on Tuesday.