Sarah Payne's mother paid a moving tribute to her perfect daughter as the murdered schoolgirl was laid to rest today.

Hundreds of people packed the church to say a final farewell to the eight-year-old who captured the hearts of the nation.

Sara Payne told the congregation: "Ever since you came into our lives at 2am with one tooth in your head and a smile that could melt ice, you brought us joy."

Fighting back the tears she added: "We loved you, you were a joy that made our lives full. You talked to us for hours. Daddy calls you Princess because that is what you are.

"You used to sleep and were never up before 10am. When you started school we thought you would never get up, but you loved it and you loved your friends and teachers.

"When you had your grommets put in you were scared and when you were drunk with the pre-med you still had the giggles.

"Most of all you were brave, not brave enough to have your ears pierced but we got to the shops several times.

"As a daughter, my darling, you were perfect. Love always and forever, mum and dad."

The service at St Peter's Church in Hersham, Surrey, was relayed by loud speakers to more than one hundred well-wishers who gathered to pay their respects.

Many wept as they heard Mrs Payne speak. The 31-year-old broke down as she told of how her sons Lee and Luke were missing their sister.

She said: "As a sister you were great. You were a pain when you were supposed to be and a great friend whenever needed. Charlotte misses you, your stories, your songs, your games and most of all your huggles."

After the congregation sang Abide with Me, Sarah's teacher June Whittle wept as she said: "I have so many lovely memories of Sarah as do all the children and teaching staff. The Sarah we knew was always smiling, happy and chirpy. A great big cheery smile.

"Rarely a day went by without her writing a note to one of us, bringing in a little present from home."

Mourners heard the Rev Nick Whitehead give a bible reading from John, Chapter 20, Verse 11, which told of Mary Magdalene's grief at finding that the body of Jesus Christ had disappeared from his tomb after his resurrection.

The congregation then sang one of Sarah's favourite hymns, Lord of the Dance, which was also sung at her public memorial service at Guildford Cathedral earlier this month.

A minute's silence was held and then mourners left the church as Find My Way Home, by Vangelis, was played.

Mr Whitehead walked in front of the coffin. Sarah's parents followed with their arms around each other and wept as it was placed back in its glass carriage.

Earlier, in his address to mourners, Mr Whitehead said: "Sarah was a smiling, happy and endearing girl who hated stinging nettles, loved watching clouds, and who when told off, could end up making you giggle with her. Above all she seemed to have had that most important characteristic of teachers, sensitive bossiness."

"Had she the opportunity to grow and develop I'm quite sure we would have seen her teaching at a school just like Bellsarm Farm and Burhill, with responsibility for her own class of children, laughing with them and encouraging them.

"Had she reached such a point in her life I think she would have looked back with much affection on her visits to this church as a schoolgirl where she sang songs, said prayers, and found her own faith in God and Jesus. I hope and trust they will take care of her - for however much we would like to, that is one thing we can do no longer."

Four white horses each with a single black plume pulled the carriage containing Sarah's tiny white coffin from the family's home to the picturesque 19th Century church.

It was laden with white, pink and purple flowers. An arrangement of white daisies spelled out "princess", the Payne family's favourite name for the schoolgirl, who was abducted from Kingston, near Worthing, and murdered last month.