Family and friends of little Courtney Bristow have said their farewells.

Thinking of you - Courtney's mum, Stacey, sisters Emily and Lola with St Nicholas Pre-School pupils at the balloon tribute. Picture: SEANA HUGHES (46462-b)

The funeral was held yesterday for the five-year-old, who died in a fire.

Then a special ceremony was held with classmates to release balloons into the sky.

Courtney died in a fire at crisis housing in Thorrington 16 days ago. Heartbroken friends and family packed into All Saints' Church in Shrub End, Colchester, to say goodbye to the youngster.

Pre-school supervisor Sandra Chipperfield said: "It's way of the pre-school saying goodbye."

The Evening Gazette attended the balloon release and not the funeral at the family's request.

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Published Friday, November 25, 2005

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