HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend the funeral of tragic student Kimberley Szostak on Saturday.

The popular performing arts student will make her final journey in a white hearse drawn by white horses. Her coffin will be adorned with photographs depicting her life.

A coach load of fellow students from the University of Bedfordshire will join her family and friends who live in the local area to say goodbye at Poole Crematorium at 1pm.

The funeral cortege will set off from the park in Long Road, Kinson, where Kimberley used to walk the family dog, at around 12.20pm.

Kimberley, 23, of Brook Road, Bournemouth, was found dead in the bathroom of the home she shared with her dad, David, on September 23 after suffering an epileptic seizure.

The budding performer, who studied Performing Arts, had suffered from seizures since the age of 10 and her condition had gradually deteriorated.

The former student of Bishop of Winchester School and Bournemouth and Poole College, had many friends and leaves a heartbroken family.

Her dad, David, told how he feared Kimberley would one day succumb to seizures but added: "It's hard to believe she's not here any more."

Kimberley was due to return to university for the final year of her course just a day after she died.

She was a huge fan of Girls Aloud and particularly group member Cheryl Fernandez-Versini who tweeted a message of condolence after learning of Kimberley's death.

She leaves her parents, step-mum, two older brothers, an elder sister, one niece and two nephews.

Dad David said all Kimberley's friends are welcome to attend the funeral and that either dark or bright clothing can be worn.

"Her favourite colour was pink so I'll be wearing a pink tie with a dark suit," he said. "I really don't mind what people wear if they want to express her personality."

He said her friends are welcome to join the family for a toast to Kimberley at the Cottonwood Hotel on Bournemouth's East Cliff.