'Pure and kind Elsie Dot's sparkle will always shine'

THE final funeral of the Southport knife attack victims was held yesterday, with Elsie Dot Stancombe's parents remembering her as an "extraordinary girl" who brought them "nothing but happiness".

- Andy Russell

The seven-year-old's life was celebrated with balloons, bubbles and one of her favourite Taylor Swift songs in a colourful and emotional service.

Two horses bedecked in rainbow colours pulled a white carriage carrying her coffin, which was covered in a pastel ombre blanket.

Perched on top were two wreaths and a large cuddly toy a blue Squishmallow.

Hundreds of people crowded into the streets to pay their respects as the cortege passed through the Birkdale district of the Merseyside town.

Taking part was a convoy of nine Royal Mail vans in solidarity with Elsie's postman dad David and her mum Jenni.

Team pals As the little coffin was brought into St John's Church, members of Elsie's cheerleading squad, Vortex Cheer, formed a guard of honour.