MOURNERS donned purple to say their final farewells to popular Bridport schoolgirl Anna-Lee Kehoe.

Hundreds dressed in the colour – Anna-Lee’s favourite – for her funeral at St Mary’s Church in South Street.

There were hymns, prayers, readings, the lighting of candles and emotional tributes to the 13-year-old as friends, family and school pals packed the church.

The Rev Andrew Evans said how fitting it was that purple was the theme as it was reserved in the past for such top people as monarchs and emperors because it was a difficult colour to make.

He said it echoed just how ‘top’ a person Anna-Lee was.

Colfox pupil Anna-Lee collapsed at her home in Queens Road, Bridport, of a heart attack on July 22.

Friends, family and wellwishers paid tribute to her on Facebook and in Bucky Doo Square before the funeral last Friday lunchtime.

Anna-Lee’s family asked for donations instead of flowers for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Southampton Hospital and for the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance.

Her service at St Mary’s Church included the hymns All Things Bright and Beautiful and Morning Has Broken.

There were heartfelt readings and tributes from Anna-Lee’s family, including her father Tony and sisters Robyn and Tamsin.

The Rev Evans urged the congregation – especially the young people – to ‘live every day as if it was their last’.

He said that this was the most fitting way to honour and remember Anna-Lee.

The Rev Evans also said that he had seen the tributes on Facebook and in Bucky Doo Square and stressed that it was clear that Anna-Lee was much loved and lived life to the full.

Friends lit candles during the service and a Robbie Williams song was played at the end.

Friends and classmates donned purple and Colfox headteacher Kay Taylor was also in attendance.

Anna-Lee, who was sister to Robyn, Holly, Tamsin, and Jake, joined the Sir John Colfox School in Year 8 after leaving Beaminster School.

There were 270 people at the church.

Weymouth Crematorium was full of family and friends after the service.

Afterwards The Rev Evans paid tribute to the courage of the family. He said: “They were very brave and very strong. Robyn in particular was outstanding and very courageous. “Everyone’s hearts go out to them.

“It is such a sad time for them. I hope that they can take comfort from the number of people at the church.

“It was absolutely packed and there was standing room only.”

The Rev Evans also urged people to keep the family in their prayers and not be afraid to keep talking to them about Anna-Lee.

Nearly 250 people have also signed up to the Anna Kehoe Memorial page on Facebook.

Donations in memory of Anna-Lee can be made care of AJ Wakely and Son, 91 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LB.