HUNDREDS of people turned out to mourn the loss of a much loved Ilkley woman who was tragically killed in a car crash.

With heartbreaking irony, the funeral of Rachel Jane Scantlebury took place at the church only yards away from the scene of the accident which resulted in her death.

In his address to a packed St Margaret's Church, Father Alan Brown said that it was poignant that Rachel's funeral took place just three years after she attended the church as a bridesmaid for her sister Claire's wedding.

He said: "And it is poignant that Rachel died outside this church, too. I am told that her death was instantaneous and - tragedy that it is - we have to be thankful for that. When the ambulance services arrived she looked very peaceful and was looking towards this church."

Father Brown continued: "No one can be left in any doubt about the tragedy of Rachel's death - a bright vivacious young woman who lived life to the full. A good friend and keen supporter of others. It is a tribute to her that this church is so full."

The congregation was given a personal tribute to Rachel by her close friend, Mark Worrall, whom she nursed through serious illness. He spoke of Rachel's visits to hospital and support when he had to undergo a bone marrow transplant to treat leukaemia.

Miss Scantlebury, of Parish Ghyll Drive, visited Mr Worrall in hospital regularly to keep his spirits up, give other help and even spent nights on a camp bed by him to help his recovery.

Mr Worrall, 32, of Calverley, Leeds, said: "Rachel, when our lives crossed I had no idea what influence you would have on my life. You gave me strength and helped me through.

"I looked forward to those visits and the times we spent together and I miss them so much. Most of all, I miss your loving care and friendship. We all embrace your memory and you will never be forgotten."

Father Brown continued: "I am sure the care and attention which Rachel gave to Mark has in other ways been replicated to others here as well. The manner of Rachel's death brings home to us all the fragility of our mortality.

"Nothing that I can say today can ease the pain of (her parents) Gillian and Glyn. For all Rachel's extended family and friends - and I am aware some have travelled from overseas to be here today - I am sure there is a yawning gap.

"Her life has gone rather like a candle which has been blown out. I am sure many of you her will have been held by Rachel in her arms and I am sure you would give anything to be held by her again. The parting has been swift and it has been short and it has been a tragedy."

Father Brown said that members of the church had been praying for Rachel since her death and she would be remembered in future services on the anniversary of her death.

After the service, one of Rachel's friends, who did not want to be named, said: "She was such a wonderful, wonderful girl, which is borne out by so many people who turned up.

"She will live on in the hearts of everybody who was there and those who could not make it. I have never seen so many people at a funeral."