MORE than 250 people said a touching final farewell to a teenage girl who died after being hit by a tram.
St Margaret's Church in Aspley was full for the funeral of Lindsey Inger on Thursday.The 13-year-old died on Wednesday, November 28, after the collision at a pedestrian level crossing near Bestwood Village.
Friends and family hugged each other outside the church as Lindsey's coffin arrived on the back of a carriage pulled by two white horses.
Her pink coffin was carried in to the church and followed by mourners wearing pink, including her foster mother, Marlene Starling.
Below a giant screen showing her picture Reverend Jon Hutchinson led the service, saying: "No-one wants to come to church today for a funeral - this day has been looming for the family and friends ever since that knock at the door and the shock of the news was broken of the accident.
"There have since been discussions about what should be done (to change the crossing) - this day is not about that - this day is about Lindsey, her family and about each other."
Mourners wrote fond memories of Lindsey on cards to be kept by Mrs Starling and watched a video tribute made by a friend showing pictures of Lindsey.
Some then spoke, with Tasha Selway, 20, who was also raised by Mrs Starling and who Lindsey considered a sister, saying: "I just want to say I love her so, so much."
A poem was also read out which ended "remember I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year".
Another person said: "You were a gem, a true diamond, a true treasure, love you so much Linds, fly high."
Lindsey was raised in Welstead Avenue, Aspley, by Mrs Starling before moving with her to Longford Crescent, Bulwell, a year and a half ago.
The Ellis Guilford School pupil would be particularly remembered for her love of singing, music and dancing, Reverend Hutchinson added.
"Lindsey was a very caring girl and of course was seeing her friends home on the night of the accident" he said.
"A year ago today she was having a serious back operation and she came through it. She had bright hopes for the future."
Mourners sang the carol 'Silent Night' before her coffin was carried out of the church to 'Diamonds' by Rihanna.
She was then laid to rest at Northern Cemetery, Bulwell.
Notts Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and tram operator NET are all investigating the accident, which happened nearly four years to the day after a woman and her grandson died on the rail line side of the double crossing.
Lindsey's relatives and local campaigners have called for a bridge to be installed over the crossing to try to prevent further tragedies.
Reports into the accident and an inquest into Lindsey's death are expected next year.
