HUNDREDS of mourners are expected to gather together next Thursday to bid a tearful farewell to a young girl who died after a road crash.

Naomi Cassidy

HUNDREDS of mourners are expected to gather together next Thursday to bid a tearful farewell to a young girl who died after a road crash.

Ten-year-old Joanne Dockett was near her home in Byron Road, Ipswich, when she was involved in a collision with a car on August 2, which left her with serious head injuries.

She died at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on Friday, with her parents by her bedside.

An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned, pending further investigations.

The short hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich yesterday told how Joanne lost her fight for life five days after sustaining her injuries.

Greater Suffolk Coroner Dr Peter Dean said he wished to offer his condolences to her family in the “very sad circumstances”.

He added the inquest will resume at a later, as yet unspecified, date when investigations into her death are concluded.

Everyone who knew and loved Joanne is invited to attend the funeral service at 2pm at St Mary and St Botolph Church, Whitton Church Lane.

A hearse carrying Joanne's small coffin will lead a procession of family and friends from Byron Road to the church.

The church is expected to be packed full with all those who knew Joanne, including her friends from Whitton Community Primary School where she attended.

Following the service, which will be led by Reverend Andrew Dotchin, her body will be buried in the churchyard.

Ann Taylor, head teacher at Whitton Community Primary School, said: “Joanne was a delightful child, always friendly and very willing to join in and help in school.

“She enjoyed a joke and her personality sparkled. A great many will miss her, she was a joy to know and teach. Our hearts go out to the family, and we know everyone will want to support and help them.”

There are now plans to launch a campaign and petition to improve safety in the street, which has been an issue of concern for those in the area for some time.

Those wishing to give flowers should send them to the Co-operative Funeral Service's Chapel of Rest in Cauldwell Hall Road.

- To pay your tributes to Joanne Dockett write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk