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Alesha MacPhail was laid to rest in a tiny pink coffin today as hundreds gathered to say goodbye to the six-year-old at her funeral.

Alesha was found dead at the start of the summer holidays while staying with relatives on the Isle of Bute, Scotland.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with rape and murder following the discovery of the schoolgirl's body in woodland on July 2.

Today, hundreds of people dressed in pink bid farewell to a "special little girl" as a service was held in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

Alesha's mother Georgina Lochrane looked devastated as she left the funeral, where her daughter was described as the "brightest thing."

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(Image: Facebook)

The youngster's dad, Robert MacPhail, also attended the service.

His girlfriend Toni McLachlan paid tribute to the "bright and bubbly" girl during the funeral, saying: "Sleep tight, little angel."

A heartbreaking message from Georgina was left for Alesha, that read: "I still can’t believe you’re gone my angel.

“Every single day will be harder than the day before to walk this earth without you by my side but I can do this for you and your sister.

“I love you more than this world princess.

“Fly high, it’s not goodbye.. goodnight my sweetie until we meet again, love mummy.”

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: PA)

After the ceremony Alesha's uncle Calum MacPhail was among those who carried her pink coffin to a waiting hearse, a white carriage drawn by two white horses with pink feathers and pink drapes.

A beautiful pink and white wreath saying 'Daughter' and a white wreath saying 'Sister,' which was covered in multi-coloured flowers and butterflies, could be seen outside the service at MacGregor Coats Funeral Home.

Heart-shaped wreaths featuring emotional tributes, a cuddly purple unicorn and Despicable Me 2 and Minnie Mouse ribbons were also placed outside the funeral home.

Mourners were pictured wearing pink ties and a pink coat, alongside a banner featuring pictures of Alesha and the message 'Our forever shining star, our little angel, always in our hearts.'

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During the service mourners heard tributes from people close to Alesha including an emotional speech from her uncle Calum.

He said: "Alesha would rather hurt than you, she had a great amount of love for absolutely everyone.

"Alesha is everything that I wanted to be, she was kind, caring, smart, I just cannot believe she is gone.

"She was the brightest thing."

He was comforted by Alesha's mother Georgina, known as Genie, who went up to hug him as he returned to his seat near the schoolgirl's father Robert, little sister Courtney, aged four, and other family members.

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Alesha was a pupil at Chapelside Primary School in nearby Airdrie where she had just finished P2 and her class teacher Emma Gibson also spoke.

She said: "Alesha was a bright and bubbly little girl, she always came into class with that big beautiful smile of hers.

"It was an absolute pleasure to have taught Alesha. I'm so grateful to have known this special little girl."

She said that the schoolgirl loved working on her literacy and handwriting and enjoyed performing in school shows such as The Lion King.

(Image: PA) (Image: HeartScotNews/Twitter)

(Image: PA)

Headteacher Wendy Davie said: "May your smile shine brightly wherever you are, you will always be remembered as our Chapelside star."

Robert's girlfriend Toni also gave a tribute, saying: "Sleep tight, little angel."

The service was led by funeral director Fraser MacGregor, who said Alesha was an amazing and talented little girl and the "best big sister, best daughter, best granddaughter and friend that anyone could have asked for".

He said that Alesha will always be remembered as a "very loving girl, friendly, good natured and full of love" who enjoyed everything from doing gymnastics and riding her bike to baking cakes, listening to music and watching Peppa Pig.

(Image: HeartScotNews/Twitter)

Mr MacGregor also said that Alesha was fascinated by bubbles and had always wanted a bubble party on her birthday.

As music played at the end of the service a bubble machine sent bubbles drifting above the mourners' heads.

Mourners lined the street as the hearse set off for Coltswood Cemetery, followed by two black carriages carrying flowers, and family members in cars.

Her bright pink coffin was carried to a white horse-drawn carriage by men wearing kilts, as people gathered to watch the horses wearing pink feather head pieces and pink blankets pull the hearse as bagpipes played in the background.

Alesha was staying with relatives on the island, in the Firth of Clyde, at the start of the summer break when she was found dead.

MacGregor Family Funeral Directors said in a statement on Facebook earlier: "With great sadness and heavy hearts we respectfully announce the funeral arrangements for little Alesha MacPhail.

"Following this, Alesha will be taken to her final resting place in Coltswood Cemetery.

"Alesha's family would welcome and be comforted by the attendance of anyone affected by this tragedy who wish to pay their final respects.

(Image: PA)

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"We ask that the community show their support and help the family through this tragedy and through this very difficult day in their lives.

"Mum and Dad have requested that everyone wears something pink.

"Now in the arms of the Angels."

A candlelit vigil was held in Rothesay on Bute earlier this month and an online fundraiser set up to support relatives reached almost £13,000.

Alesha's mother Georgina previously thanked those who have helped the family following the youngster's death.