THE devastated family of a popular Poole mum who was killed in a hit and run crash have said their final heartbreaking goodbyes.

The funeral of 23-year-old mother-of-one Courtney White took place yesterday, with family and friends packing out St Clement's Church in Parkstone for the ceremony.

Hundreds gathered as the street fell silent outside the church as the cortege and trucks carrying huge floral arrangements in tribute to Courtney arrived.

Bournemouth Echo:

After the service, family and friends gathered on the Canford Way as police closed the road and some family members laid flowers.

Her father Joseph, followed by the funeral cortege, walked past the site where Courtney was killed, and with music playing, blew a kiss and returned to the cortege.

Courtney was walking home on the evening of Sunday December 12 when she was struck by a car, which reportedly left the scene.

Huge floral arrangements including a frame with a picture of Courtney, a heart, handbag, shoes and the word 'daughter' spelt out in blooms, were transported on trucks as part of the cortege.

Her devastated father, Joseph White, told the Daily Echo ahead of the funeral: "She was my first born and the first thing I ever loved. I loved the ground she walked on.

"I still don't feel like it's real. She was just special.

Bournemouth Echo:

"She was so independent, she never asked for anything and was so proud.

"She was the best mum you ever saw; she was beautiful."

He added: "I question God as to why this happened and the only thing I can think of is God must have needed another angel.

"We're all broken-hearted. I wish I could switch places with her and bring her back. I just thought the world of her."

Courtney's sister Alice previously paid tribute to her sister: “Courtney’s vibrant, maternal, warm character would be a constant source of love and comfort for our family.

“She was a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter but innately Courtney was a mother. She was instinctively maternal, authentic and thoughtful. She made our family whole, she made us our best selves.”

Bournemouth Echo:

A JustGiving appeal created following the tragedy, has raised more than £7,500 for the family and Courtney's daughter.

A large number of floral tributes have been placed at the scene where Courtney died. A star is lit there most evenings by the family.

Following her death, Dorset Police arrested ten people.

Four were released without charge and will face no further police action. Six who were arrested on suspicion of driving offences remain released on police bail or under investigation while enquiries continue.