THE sound of gentle pop music filled Wantage parish church yesterday as family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of stab victim, Rachel Long, 21.

The "bubbly and gorgeous girl", who was knifed to death at a 21st party in Grove a fortnight ago, was lovingly remembered at a simple service in her honour, in which her favourite songs replaced traditional hymns.

The church of SS Peter and Paul was full almost half an hour before the funeral service started, and by its end, there was standing room only at the back.

Later, the town centre came to a halt as almost 200 mourners followed the hearse bearing her coffin as the cortege made its way along Portway and Ormond Road for burial at the Chain Hill cemetery.

Family mourners were led by Rachel's mother, Chris Long, and her stepfather, Gary, followed by sisters Hazel and Clara, brother Billy, and stepsister, Kayleigh.

Several of those walking the half-mile to the graveside in the biting wind carried wreaths or single red roses to lay in tribute to the popular young hairdresser whose family home is in Stockham Park.

The service and interment were taken by the vicar of Wantage, Father John Salter, who urged the capacity congregation to "listen to the music and think of her".

Mourners bowed their heads as the haunting melody of Eternal Flame, by The Bangles, wafted through the church.

Later Michael Jackson's You are Not Alone was played, and many broke down as Rachel's coffin was carried from the church to the tune of Dolly Parton's I'll Always Love You.

After a brief verse from Kayleigh, sister, Hazel, from Kingfishers, Grove, described Rachel as a "kind-hearted and caring woman" who was "much-loved and respected" and would be missed by many. "Rachel had one motto: You don't know what's around the corner - live life to the full."

A friend, Duncan Clegg, who like the others was close to tears, read the W.H. Auden poem from the film Four Weddings and a Funeral, and said of Rachel: "She was one of the brightest stars that shone in our night sky."

Father John, who sang the Beatles' Let it Be to a simple piano accompaniment, told the congregation: "We are reduced to tears and silence by a young life so cruelly ended.

"Nothing takes away the pain we feel today, that's why I turn to the picture of Mother Mary holding on to her dead child at the foot of the Cross.

"Today I ask her to be with Rachel's loved ones and with us, and to pray for us, so that among all the bitter anguish we feel, there may be forgiveness and hope."

Matthew Smith, 29, of Herman Close, Abingdon, is in custody accused of Rachel's murder.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.