'Sleep tight precious girl': Mourners gather for funeral of Shay Kang killed by her mother in Rowley Regis

Loved ones turned out to Rowley Regis Crematorium on Thursday morning to say an emotional goodbye to the schoolgirl.

Youngsters and staff from Brickhouse Primary School, where Shay was a pupil, were among those in attendance.

A picture of Shay in her school uniform sat inside a horse and carriage which led the procession from the school to the crematorium off Moor Lane.

Brickhouse Primary School headteacher Paul Newby was stationed at the front of the long line of mourners who were dressed in pink and black – Shay's favourite colours.

Schoolgoers were meanwhile asked to wear their uniforms, as funeral celebrant Phil Whitehouse made reference to Shay being proud to attend school, a fact which he said she made "abundantly clear" to everyone.

A number of NHS staff were also in attendance, including paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The youngster was found dead in Robin Close, Rowley Regis, on March 4 when police were called to her home.

Shay died as a result of stab wounds to the chest, the opening of an inquest at Black Country Coroner’s Court heard in March.

Her mother, Jaskirat Kaur admitted the manslaughter of Shay on the basis of diminished responsibility at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

In a touching tribute read at the service on Thursday, Mr Newby described Shay as being a "special girl".

He said: "Shay, how I always describe you as a right happy fun-loving child who was well liked by all at Brickhouse. You will always be sadly missed by all those who knew you.

"Your smile brightened up the darkest of days and you could always make your friends and others laugh. You were a huge part of our school community and for that we thank you for the impact you had on all of our lives.

"We will celebrate your life and let your memory live on in our hearts and in our school. We will look to the sky during the morning sunrise and remember your smile and your happy face with your friends.

"We will look to the sky when we see a rainbow and remember you as a colourful, gleaming soul, so full of life while innocently playing."

Mr Newby also made reference to a star that staff and pupils at Brickhouse Primary School had come together and named after Shay.

Through donations from parents and staff, a memorial garden is also being created at the school where the headteacher said Shay will have a "permanent place".

He continued: "We will look to the sky at night and remember you for the shining star you were and know that you will be with us always, continuing to shine above in that star we named for you.

"You were a very special little girl and I am so grateful to have been your headteacher, from when you started in nursery to when you left in Year 5. I watched you grow and develop through your life and education all I can say is that was a real pleasure.

"I feel exceptionally honoured that we have been able to give you the celebration of your life that you deserved today however we know that you will never truly have left us and that you will remain with us in our hearts and in the sky around us always.

"Until we meet again, sleep tight precious girl and know you will always be in the heart of our school."

There were tears in the crowd that gathered outside Rowley Regis Crematorium, which was at capacity inside, to watch the service as "Yellow" by Coldplay played through the speakers.

Another member of staff at the school read a letter to Shay and said she will remember her sense of humour.

She said: "Dear Shay, we shed tears that you have gone but we also smile that we have known you and that you lived and were part of our community.

"We close our eyes hoping and praying that you will come back to us and see you with your friends but then we opened our eyes and shared stories about you instead.

"Our hearts felt empty because we couldn't see you anymore but then our hearts were full of love and the moments we shared with you, especially your sense of humour."

She added that Shay will be in the hearts of the staff at the school forever.

She said: "Rest in peace sweet girl. Snuggle in your blanket and cuddle your teddy bear. Feel our love for you and know that you will be in our hearts forever."

A number of poems were also read during the service, as Westlife's "I'll see You Again" played when it drew to a close.

Dozens of teddy bears filled the back of one of the funeral cars while large floral arrangements were placed at the crematorium grounds, featuring notes from loved ones.