HUNDREDS of mourners – many wearing pink especially for the occasion – gathered to pay their final respects to a courageous youngster who “lived life to the full”.

Little Jaymie-Leigh Ring lost her battle against a rare form of cancer on October 22 after more than a year fighting pleuropulmonary blastoma.

Crowds of family and friends turned out to lay the popular three-year-old to rest yesterday at St Mary and St Botolph Church.

Before the service, the congregation followed a horse-drawn glass carriage carrying Jaymie-Leigh to the church in Whitton Church Lane.

Jaymie-Leigh’s mum Liana Pizzey recorded a song in her daughter’s memory which was played during the service.

Known for her love of princesses and for her beaming smile, mourners wore pink in her memory.

Reverend Andrew Dotchin, who led the service, said: “We had to get extra chairs for the church, but we knew we would because Whitton is a very caring community. They have had Jaymie in their hearts for a long time.”

Representatives from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices Treehouse in St Augustine’s Gardens – where the youngster had received palliative care – were among those paying their respects.

“Jaymie had a life cut short but she had also lived life to the full,” said Rev Dotchin.

“People spoke about how Jaymie had touched them with a smile or something she once said to them.

“She was a girl who knew what she wanted in a cheeky way and she made a lot of people smile.

“I was pleased to see how Whitton came together to let people see what kind of people they are. It shows a group of people how love and care for their own.

“Everyone was asked to wear princess pink for Jaymie – she loved princesses and I think the way she was described was a young princess.

“It is a difficult time for everyone and the time ahead will be difficult as family and friends grieve. But the community will be there and will continue to be there for Liana and her family in the long journey ahead.”