The heartbroken family and friends of a teenager who tragically died have spoken of her bright smile, sunny laughter and loving nature.

Eighteen-year-old Eden Finney’s death sent shockwaves through her home town of Brampton.

The teenager’s funeral at St Martin’s Church in the town on Wednesday was standing room only as hundreds of people turned out to say goodbye to the girl affectionately known as Flipper.

Her parents, Denise and Mark, explained that the nickname stemmed from the tantrums she threw as a little girl when “her mammy dared to hug or hold hands with daddy”.

Paying tribute to the girl they called their angel, the couple said: “As parents, Eden was the best daughter you could ever wish for. A kind, gentle child, always laughing, joking and smiling.

“Eden always had time to help and speak with others. We feel

blessed to be her parents, she was amazing in her short life.

“She will live in our hearts forever, she will be in our thoughts forever, our memories will never fade.”

Parts of the eulogy were read by family friend Alison Riddell, clerk of Brampton parish council, who recalled Eden’s love of life and her perfection when it came to fashion, make-up, hair and fake-tanning.

Her sisters Lucy, Beth and Melanie recalled their childhood with Eden, her unshakeable role as ‘daddy’s girl’ and the mischief they got up to.

They each spoke of their pride in watching her grow into a “stunning young woman” who was beautiful and kind and a devoted auntie to her niece Ella.

Her brother Jack added: “I will miss my sister more than words can say. My life feels so empty right now.

“I miss her. I miss our laughs – and I even miss the fake tan everywhere.”

Among those paying tribute to Eden, was her fiance Thomas Forster, known as Tucker.

Describing her as his princess, he said: “You will always be forever young and so beautiful. You will always be the love of my life. I am going to be lost without you.”

Eden’s best friends recalled their silliness, friendship and her sense of humour.

One said: “Eden was my best friend and really did make me a better person.

“She has been a constant source of light and happiness for most of my life, and it’s hard to imagine life without that light.”

Another added that there aren’t “enough words in the dictionary” to describe how much Eden meant to her.

Facebook was filled with tributes to her too.

Jannine Nelson said: “Eden Finney you were always the life of the party and a good friend. [You] always had a smile on your beautiful face. Gone far too young. Rest in peace.”

Kelsii Murphii wrote: “You were far too young to go. Such a pretty, canny lass.”

Dad Mark told The Cumberland News : “We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has helped and supported us through this difficult time.”

Eden died on June 26. The former Cumwhinton Primary and William Howard School pupil has been described as a “treasured granddaughter, niece, cousin and a forever friend”. Donations at her funeral will go to Carlisle’s Eden Valley Hospice and St Martin’s Church.

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