HUNDREDS of people packed into a village church yesterday for the funeral of a young woman who died in a farm accident.

Dozens of mourners had to crowd into the aisles and stand behind pews during the service for 20-year-old Kelly Pattinson at St Mary's Church, Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The Reverend Peter Lind-Jackson, who conducted the ceremony, said: "Her life was short, but the beauty of it reached out and touched many. Her smile and laughter were known to everyone, and I ask you to give thanks for that."

Many young people who knew Kelly were in the congregation, along with other friends and farming families from Teesdale.

Kelly died a week ago in the accident at East Underhurth Farm, Forest in Teesdale, where she lived with her parents, Heather and Keith, sisters Emma and Helen, and brother Kevin, a soldier who stayed there during leave.

Rev Lind-Jackson told the congregation that he knew the pain and anguish that was being suffered by Kelly's family, because he and his wife lost a young son more than 20 years ago.

He said Kelly's family might not remember words spoken, but the presence and support of so many people in the congregation could give them some comfort.

He said the fact it was Christmas would add extra emotion and sadness for everyone.

A collection is to be shared between the church and a children's hospital.

After the service, mourners were invited for drinks at the Moorcock Inn, Eggleston, where Kelly worked as a waitress.

Rev Lind-Jackson retired as the vicar of Barnard Castle four years ago, but has been asked to take services in the upper dale between the departure of its last vicar and the arrival of a new one.