Family and friends gathered to remember a "beautiful woman, a mum, a sister, a daughter and a deeply loved granddaughter".

The funeral of Courtney Kilvert, who tragically died aged 23 on October 4, was held at All Saints Church in Wyke Regis, Weymouth.

The service began with her coffin being carried into the church while the theme music of the TV show Game of Thrones played.

Brother Alasdair Kay then opened the service and said: “We come here today to remember before God, Courtney Kilvert, and give thanks for her life.

“We shouldn’t be here, should we? Words can’t express the untimely death of someone so loved and so special.

“We draw comfort in the hope that Courtney is with her father Richard.

“We’re here to remember a beautiful woman, a mum, a sister, a daughter and a deeply loved granddaughter.”

Recalling what Courtney was like as a child, Mr Kay said she would “charge around the house full of energy and giggles.”

“She was fascinated by palaeontology, in other words, she loved dinosaurs and fossils. She was never happier than on Charmouth Beach searching for fossils.

“And she enjoyed volunteering especially at the museum in Dorchester,” he said.

He continued: “Courtney was also beautiful inside and out. You see pictures of her in the family home – a young beautiful woman full of life.

“She was a good mum, she loved her little boy Zen and looked forward to Christmas and planning for the future. There’s something in that name Zen – it means peace. It was reflective of hope and dreams that Courtney had.”

Mr Kay then read a beautiful poem written by Courtney for her son Zen.

It said: “I am here beside you every step of the way.

“I will always be your mummy and always be there.

“So, goodnight my little baby, don’t stay up all night.”

Courtney's sister, Amy Kilvert, then read a heartbreaking message left by Courtney to her family.

Brother Alasdair said: “What do we say to this, how do we make any form of sense? You can’t.

“Some of you are in absolute agony. The reason you’re in absolute agony is because you loved Courtney.

“What I know is that this girl cared, and she loved, and we loved her.

“Love is the one thing that powers the universe. The one thing that makes darkness bright.”

The service ended with the song 'Don’t Worry Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin.