Hannah Coan with her cousin Aimee Case

by Thom Morris

As the pretty pink coffin was carried into St Michael and All Angels’ Church, uncontrollable sobbing echoed off the walls.

More than 100 people made their way to the Wilmington church on a bright and sunny Thursday afternoon to say farewell to Hannah Louise Coan, the teenager who died after being hit by a car last month.

One of her favourite songs, Leona Lewis’s Yesterday, welcomed them to the Church Hill building.

Born on May 12, 1994, Hannah died on September 12, aged just 18.

The popular former Wilmington Academy student died from her injuries suffered from the accident. She was just yards from her home when it happened.

Great aunt Debbie Watkins was first to speak to the congregation, who were all instructed to wear bright clothes.

Tributes laid to teenager Hannah

She told them she was sending all her love to heaven: “I hold you within my heart and there you will remain to walk with me throughout my life until we meet again.”

Hannah’s cousin Sian Hawkett then spoke, saying: “I didn't know today would be our last, or that I'd have to say goodbye to you so fast. You're not really gone as long as I keep believing.

“Only God knows why. I'm just jealous of the angels.”

Her boyfriend Scott made an emotional speech describing how he and Hannah had discussed getting married and having children.

"it’s such a cruel world. there hasn’t been a day when i haven’t thought of you" – friend charlotte ayscough

He said: “Thinking of things to say has been really hard. Hannah was the most loving person, she was amazing and beautiful, even though she’d always say she wasn't.

“Only days before we were discussing our plans for marriage and babies. You’re still my amazing lady and now you’re my guardian angel.”

Friend Charlotte Ayscough said: “I never thought I’d have to do this. It’s such a cruel world. There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t thought of you.

“I want to thank you for always being there and for all the memories. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.

“You made me smile and laugh. This isn’t goodbye it’s just a different kind of hello. I will miss you forever.”

Last to speak was friend Amie McCarthy, who through tears said: “Never in a million years did I think I’d be here.

"You were more like a sister. You were always by my side, I feel so lost without you. I’d give anything to have you back.

"I miss everything about you, even your Mickey Mouse jumper. I could go on all day talking about you. I’ll never forget you. You’re going to be in my heart forever and a day.”