FAMILY and friends of tragic Natasha Coombs gathered today to say their final farewells.A funeral service for the teenager, who died after being hit by a train close to Manningtree station, took place at St Nicholas' Church, Harwich.

FAMILY and friends of tragic Natasha Coombs gathered today to say their final farewells.

A funeral service for the teenager, who died after being hit by a train close to Manningtree station, took place at St Nicholas' Church, Harwich.

The service was taken by Rev Peter Mann, who said: “It will be a chance for people to share their sadness and also very much a chance to celebrate a young and vivacious life.

Natasha's family said that attendees were welcome to wear brightly coloured clothes to the service.

In a posting to online networking site Bebo, father Gary Coombs said how moved he was at the hundreds of tribute messages left to his 'princess'.

He wrote: “Hi, I am Natasha's daddy. I want to let you all know how moved my wife and I are by the wonderful tributes you have made to our darling princess.

“We cannot begin to tell you how much we are hurting and missing her so much. Together we will keep her memory alive… she was blessed to have so many friends.”

At the service it is expected that speeches will be read out by old school friends of Natasha's, and music will be played will include All I Want is You by U2 and Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler.

Mr Mann said Natasha and her family were not regular members of his congregation in Harwich, having only recently moved to nearby Dovercourt.

They previously lived in Brantham, less than a mile from where the former East Bergholt High School pupil's body was found.

It is thought Natasha's body lay undiscovered for almost exactly two weeks after she disappeared following a night out in Ipswich with friends.

A spokeswoman for Essex police said that their missing person's investigation finished with the discovery of the body and there was nothing to suggest a crime had taken place.

Do you have a message of support for the family of Natasha Coombs? Visit www.eveningstar.co.uk/natasha

Box - Tributes to Natasha from the Evening Star's website at www.eveningstar.co.uk/natasha and www.bebo.com/findnatasha

Our condolences go to the parents, friends, and to all of those who knew Natasha. May she rest in peace.

Brian & Barb, Henerson, Nevada, USA

Rest in Peace Sweetheart. x My deepest condolences to all those who knew and loved her. x

Hayley , Stowmarket

My heart goes out to the friends and family of Natasha. Rest in peace Natasha x

Daniel Lilley, Hadleigh

Our love goes out to you and your family Heaven has a lovely angel there and I hope you are resting in peace and you will always be loved and never ever forgotten. Our hearts are with you and your family we all love you R.I.P xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anonymous, Brantham

Rest Easy beautiful.

Its clear you are missed dearly by everyone, those lucky enough to have met you and those who were not so lucky.

Thinking of you always... and my heart goes out to your family .

RIP

lots of love and cuddles.

Laura Guyon

We would just like to offer our condolences to Natasha's parents and let them know we are thinking of them. You dont know us but we send our love to all the family.

Mr & Mrs Bluett, Bardwell, Bury St Eds

To a beautiful young woman who had so much to live for who's life has been taken away so suddenly. R.I.P sweet angel nothing's gonna hurt you now goodnight xxxx

Jackie, Chichester, West Sussex

Tash was in my college class! She was a very happy, smiley person. Her smile is embedded in my mind! Only a little while ago we were laughing and joking, I simply can not believe this tragedy. My heart goes out to her parents. I am so sorry for your loss! May Tasha now R.I.P God has one special angel!

Becky Gardner, Lexden, Colchester

Rest in peace Natasha, our sympathy goes to all those who knew you. Can't believe something so tragic has happened so close to home! Hope your safe with the angels… lots of love Carla and Lucy xxxxxxx

Carla Arnott

Our deepest sympathy to Natasha's parents and her family. A happy, bubbly girl who shone and will continue to shine x. Our special thoughts to Josh too. Natasha will never be forgotten. Her many friends who knew her at East Bergholt High will miss her dearly, especially year 2006. Keep strong knowing so many are thinking of you. Our love and thoughts always. xx Rest peacefully Tash xx

A Bergholt Family, East Bergholt

I just wanted to say my heart goes out to all who are suffering the loss of Natasha, I did not know her I have met Josh once he seemed like a lovely lad and it must be awful for him too. I just hope in time the dark cloud will lift for you all and peace joins your hearts xx

Donna, Brantham