Mourners in pink gather for funeral of 'beloved' Valentina Foster, 7, 'murdered' in house fire

Dozens of mourners decked out in pink have accompanied a funeral procession for a "deeply loved" seven-year-old girl who died in a devastating house blaze last month.

Valentina Foster lost her life alongside aunt Natalie Foster, 34, in the fire on Birchington Avenue in Grangetown near Middlesbrough on August 26.

Jaden Wright, 23, was charged with two counts of murder, two of grievous bodily harm with intent and another two of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He will next appear in court on September 23.

Today (Friday), Valentina was laid to rest following a ceremony at St John's Church in South Bank Middlesbrough. A white horse drawn carriage carrying a bright pink coffin travelled down Normanby Road before the service, laden with white and pink flowers reading 'niece'.

Dozens of the schoolgirls' friends and family walked alongside the funeral cortege. The procession was followed by a van containing more floral displays, reading 'Valentina', 'granddaughter' and fairy wings emblazoned with the words 'Princess TT'.

Six pallbearers, dressed in baby pink t-shirts printed with pictures of Valentina, lifted the coffin out of the carriage and carried it into the church. Notes on displays read 'love you forever TT' and 'fly high Princess'.

Ahead of the service, grandma Valerie Foster took to Facebook and penned an emotional goodbye to Valentina, known to loved ones as 'TT'. She wrote: "Why you princess, how do I let you go taken from us we are heartbroken I'm numb feel sick don't even know what to say or write.

"Never in this world did I think that I would have to lay you to rest before me. See you soon and give your daddy a big hug off me."

In another tribute earlier this month, her family wrote: "It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

"Our lives have changed forever, and we are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss. Our daughter will always be in our hearts, and her memory will live with us forever. Forever missed by her brothers and sisters."

Inquests into the deaths of both Valentina and Natalie were opened earlier this month at Teesside Coroners' Court. Paul Appleton, Assistant Coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool said on September 8 the pair both died due to "the effects of fire".

The court heard schoolgirl Valentina was pronounced dead at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on the same day of the blaze, and was identified by her mother. Meanwhile, Natalie was identified via dental records and a "unique tattoo".