HUNDREDS gathered at an overflowing Middlewich church to celebrate the life of Nell Jones, 14, this afternoon.

St Michael and All Angels Church was full to capacity, including some 120 Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School students, while more gathered outside in the rain to listen to the service.

The funeral, which included words from Nell family, friends and teachers, came a month to the day since the Manchester Arena attack where she lost her life.

Nell’s wooden coffin arrived to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph’, before hymns were sung between speeches by her brothers, friends and headteacher.

Her brother, Sam, said on behalf of the Jones family: “She thought the world of her friends, she loved her family. We were so lucky to have her with us for 14 wonderful years.”

Georgia Lewis also relayed a message on behalf of her sister, Freya, who had attended the Ariana Grande concert with Nell and remains in hospital recovering.

HCCS headteacher Denis Oliver said: “It was absolutely amazing. It was all I could do not to cry, but a lot of people did.

“For me it’s a celebration. A funeral such has this for a girl who shouldn’t have died, we have to celebrate the things that were positive – and there are so many. She was so talented and there were so many attributes we can celebrate.

“I am so proud of her friends to be able to stand there and give their memories of Nell. [Nell’s brother] Sam gave a wonderful speech in which he was amusing and touching.

“She’ll never be forgotten. We will make sure of that, and the garden of memories will be part of that.”

The school is running the Remembering Nell fundraiser, which will create a permanent community memorial to the Year 9 student.

Cheshire East Council leader Rachel Bailey, who attended along with director of education Jacky Forster, said: “It’s one of our residents, it’s our family, it’s unthinkable.

“What’s overwhelming to me is the way the family have celebrated Nell’s life, and the thought for her friends and bigger family who loved her so much.”

Click here for the Remembering Nell Fund.