Friends and family released balloons into the air in memory of Coombe Girls’ School pupil Lavna Chuttoo as her coffin was carried out of a New Malden church today.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 14-year-old schoolgirl at a service in St James Church in Bodley Road, with the church so packed many could not get a seat.

Lavna was killed after being hit by a lorry while walking to school with friends in Lime Grove, New Malden on Tuesday, November 17.

Tuesday, November 17: 14-year-old Coombe schoolgirl killed after being hit by truck in New Malden named as Lavna Chuttoo

Thursday, November 19: "She will always be in my heart": Parents of Coombe Girls' School pupil Lavna Chuttoo, 14, pay tribute to daughter killed by lorry in New Malden

Friday, November 20: Coombe Girls' School pays tribute to Lavna Chuttoo, 14, after the pupil was killed by a lorry

Dad Chetannand Chuttoo, dressed all in white alongside Lavna’s family, thanked all those who came to pay tribute to his “inspiring little princess”.

He said: “I’m amazed that little smile brought us all together today.

“She was cruelly taken from me at such a young age. My wonderful memories of her life will keep me going. You were always here for daddy.”

Surrey Comet:

Flowers laid in St James Church by friends and family

Pupils from Coombe Girls’ School were allowed to attend the service, with many struggling to hold back tears as messages were read from friends and family.

Coombe Girls’ pupil and friend Anna Smart said: “I have never met anyone with as infectious a laugh as Lavna or as radiant a smile.

“I was honoured to be with her in her final moments. The last thing she did was laugh.”

Lavna was three years old when she moved from Mauritius with her mum and dad.

She excelled as a grade A student at Coombe Girls, where her headteacher Debborah Walls described her as an “inspiring” influence on her fellow pupils.

She said: “We are proud of Lavna for her enthusiasm to succeed. We are proud of Lavna for her courtesy, good manners and respect. Lavna will live on at Coombe Girls.”

Surrey Comet:

Mourners watch on as Lavna's coffin begins its procession through New Malden

A selection of Lavna’s favourite songs, including Let Her Go by Passenger for the final procession, were played throughout the service and school friends also played the violin, a passion Lavna herself shared.

Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry read messages from mayor Roy Arora and council leader Kevin Davis as he told mourners “the whole community of Kingston grieves with you”.

After the service, Lavna’s coffin was driven along New Malden High Street and then past Coombe Girls’ School so staff and friends unable to attend could pay their respects.