A girl who touched the hearts of everyone who met her, that was how seven-year-old Chloe Smith was described at her funeral service.

Despite her severe disabilities, Chloe, of Hodge Close, Devizes, brought joy to the lives of her family, friends and those at her school, the service at St James’ Church, Devizes, was told.

More than 70 people attended the service. They wore something pink in tribute to Chloe as it was one of her favourite colours and her coffin was pink.

The song Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis was played at the start of the service.

The service was last Thursday, two days before the first anniversary of the death of Chloe’s father, Paul Smith. He died when an old ambulance he was converting for Chloe and her disabled sister, Tamzin, six, collapsed on him. Mr Smith was Chloe’s carer and called her daddy’s little princess.

Mr Smith’s partner and mother of Chloe, Lou Bryant, and her nine-year-old son Kieran were among the mourners.

The curate, Rev Justin Bradbury, said: “Saying goodbye is hard but this seems harder somehow and it just doesn’t seem fair. Lou and her family have seen more troubles than people who have lived longer.”

Paying tribute to Chloe he said: “Chloe taught us how to be uncomplicated. She taught us how to take pleasure in the simple things in life, to be with friends and to share laughter and tears. She taught us to say what really matters and enabled you to love, to care and to give.

“Chloe’s abilities may have been limited in life but she was truly great. She is truly a princess in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jo Poole, a teaching assistant in Chloe’s class at St Nicholas special school in Chippenham, fought back tears as she read a poem about Chloe.

The school’s assistant head (primary) Sarah Helton also spoke and said: “Chloe’s smiles brought such joy to us all. All of the staff said it was a complete honour to be part of Chloe’s life. Without her there’s a big hole in the school community.”

Chloe’s uncle and aunt Paul and Tina Rogers and step-brother Kieran also paid tribute.

Mr Rogers said Chloe was a fighter while Mrs Rogers read a poem chosen by Chloe’s mother. “It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you when God took you,” she said.

At the conclusion of the service, Angels by Robbie Williams was played and photographs of Chloe were shown on two TV screens. More tears were shed at this touching and moving tribute.