Helium balloons, children's laughter, magic tricks and bubbles transformed a memorial service for four-year-old Jodie Mace into a happy celebration of her life.

About 100 people, including many children, met at Cokethorpe School chapel on Saturday to remember the little girl who helped raise £27,000 for the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign.

Jodie was born with Down's syndrome and three holes in her heart, and her sister Zo, nine, recorded a CD of songs in aid of the £15m appeal as a thank-you to the doctors and nurses who looked after her.

She died earlier this month after cardiac surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington.

Although mourners joined to grieve at her funeral on Thursday, Jodie's parents Linda and Peter, of Witney Road, Freeland, organised the second service at the school near Ducklington, as a celebration which could be enjoyed by her young friends.

Mrs Mace said: "Just before Jodie went in to hospital, I told her that once she had had her operation she could go back to playschool.

"But she said she wanted to go to big school with Zo.

"Having a service at Cokethorpe and planting a tree in her memory means that I can sort of complete that wish."

The service was led by school chaplain the Rev Roy Turner, who did a magic trick during his address and played the guitar to accompany the songs, If I Were a Butterfly, This Little Light of Mine, and Jodie's Song, written by the Mace family.

Afterwards, balloons decorating the church were taken by members of the congregation to the 20-year-old tulip tree, which has been planted in memory of Jodie and will flower during August -- the month of her birth.

Mr Turner blessed the plot, as the children blew bubbles then let go of the 150 balloons.

Mrs Mace used the day to urge people to treat Down's syndrome children, and youngsters born with similar conditions, with the respect and love they deserved.

She said: "After all, Jodie was more human than the rest of us -- she had one extra chromosome!"

Zo will release a second CD, called Songs for My Sister, in June, which will be sold to raise money for the Down's Syndrome Association.