A PINK stiletto and a handbag were among the poignant floral tributes to aspiring model and actress Rebecca Caine, who was laid to rest today.
The 20-year old died in a crash on the M62 last week.
Hundreds of mourners attended her funeral at St Peter’s Church in Birstall.
As the rain poured down, one mourner’s umbrella - covered in broken heart motifs - summed up the mood.
Rebecca’s baby pink coffin arrived in a horse drawn carriage, adorned with beautiful floral pieces - among them the pink stiletto and handbag, and another that simply said ‘Bex’.
Many of the mourners wore something pink, others carried single pink gerbera daisies.
Inside, the church was packed as Rev Paul Knight led the funeral service, starting with the hymn The Lord Is My Shepherd.
A eulogy was read on behalf of Rebecca’s father Tim.
In a touching and humorous tribute, he said the sociable and popular young woman’s maths teacher had once written in her school report card that: “If Rebecca applied the same care and attention that she does applying her makeup, she would be a grade A student.”
“We had many discussions about life balance between partying and studying, but she always charmed her way through,” her father said.
He said that although Rebecca - a business students in Leeds - was “headstrong a and determined”, she had a softer side and would always sleep with a teddy bear because she was scared of the dark.
Above all, he said, she was an optimist, with a “streetfighter” spirit.
“She believed that if you had positive thoughts, they would happen,” he said.
“Her CV said ‘I see my failures as the inspiration to make myself better.
“She was bursting with life and confidence and attracted people to her.
“She could charm a pauper or a prince. She had the ability to relate to and have a laugh with young or old alike.
“The world has lost a beautiful, shining light.”
He thanked Rebecca’s many friends for their “unbelievable show of support”
“Her phone was a big part of her life,” he told her friends.
“It will be buried with her.
“If it gives you comfort, keep in touch with her by text.”
* Wilfrid Museka, 31, has been charged with causing Rebecca’s death by dangerous driving. He will appear at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on October 8.