FAMILY and friends have gathered for the funeral of tragic student Kimberley Szostak to celebrate the life of a "caring" "beautiful" and "inspirational" young woman who died aged just 23.

The performing arts student made her final journey in a beautiful white hearse drawn by two white horses. Her coffin was decorated on all sides with photographs from her life.

Poole Crematorium was packed with some 100 mourners, including a coachload from the University of Bedfordshire, where Kimberley was studying performing arts.

The popular 23-year-old of Brook Road, Bournemouth, was found dead in the bathroom of the home she shared with her dad David on September 23 after suffering an epileptic seizure.

She had suffered from seizures since the age of 10 and her condition had gradually deteriorated.

The funeral on Saturday afternoon included music, tributes from her parents, memories of friends and even words from Kimberley herself - read by Reverend Canon Jonathan Martin, who conducted the service.

It painted a picture of a young woman who "loved life" and lived it "to the fullest" - caring for and bringing joy to those around her.

Her father David spoke of his "beautiful, precious brave little soldier of a daughter" saying: "You will never be forgotten. Your inspiration and dedication. Through adversity, set backs and knock downs - you never gave up. You carried on with your glorious heart and your beautiful smile."

He said his daughter would "always be known for caring for others" and as someone who "made everybody happy just by being there".

He added: "You lived life to the full and loved every one of those precious moments with us all."

Revd Martin read a tribute on behalf of Kimberley's mum Joanne, in which she spoke of her daughter's love for nature and the beauty of the world.

She added: "I loved you from the moment you started life and I always will. I see your smile and your beautiful eyes every day in my heart and within my thoughts. You are my angel, my daughter, my princess. All the precious moments we had together I will treasure forever."

The University of Bedfordshire chaplain shared some of the words Kimberley's friends used to describe her, including "courageous", "inspirational" "vivacious", "spiritual", "sparkly" and "pink."

And Rev Martin read some of Kimberley's answers to a series of questions she had recorded, revealing her love of ketchup and karaoke, her dream of a big white wedding and of being in a Disney musical, and her sense of being "blessed" in her family and friends.

Kimberley was a huge fan of Cheryl Fernandez-Versini of Girls Aloud fame, who tweeted a message of condolence after learning of her death.

Cheryl's song Waiting for Lightning was played, along with music from Elton John's, Robbie Williams the Beatles, Bryan Adams and Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth.

The family asked for donations to be made to Epilepsy Research.