HUNDREDS of mourners turned out to say farewell to a popular mother-of-one today (Tuesday March 19) who died in a car accident earlier this month.

There was standing room only at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, for the funeral of 28-year-old Christine Harrison.

Family friend Brian Shepherd’s reading of a poem called Afterglow was followed by an emotional speech from Miss Harrison’s cousin, Jason, who wept as he recalled their happy childhood memories.

He said: “Christine was born and bred in Darlington and came from a very close knit family. Christine was the most out going, bubbly, friendly person I know. She was the life and soul of the party and always smiling.

“Nothing phased her, she was strong-willed with a big heart.  She loved her family and was a loyal friend.

"She always spoke her mind and she was one in a million. She had an aura that made everyone like her."

He also spoke of her devotion to her seven-year-old daughter Shaney-Leigh. “She had her own little princess and the last eight years revolved around her. “

A number of songs - including ‘Fantasy’ by Empire – were played during the service.

Miss Harrison’s purple coffin, decorated with red roses, was carried out of the church to the sounds of Aerosmith’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing’.

The funeral procession, which wound through the streets of the town, included a wagon carrying several tributes to the devoted mother.

A large floral replica of cult horror figure Freddy Krueger reflected her taste in films. Other arrangements included a floral Chanel handbag.

She also leaves parents Francine and Vinna, siblings Zoe, Mark and Norman, grandmother Joyce and partner Mark Podmore.

Miss Harrison, of Longfield Road, Darlington, died on Saturday March 9 when the VW Golf she was travelling in left the road and hit trees.

The incident happened at around 6am on the A66 Bridge Road in Darlington between the Reg Vardy roundabout and the Northern Echo Arena. Four other people in the car escaped without serious injury.

Today’s service was followed by a private burial. The Northern Echo attended the service with the family's permission.