“KEEP the champagne on ice, my girl, until we meet again” was the heart-breaking farewell from the mother of 19-year-old Xana Doyle, whose funeral was held today.

More than 800 mourners said goodbye to the former Duffryn High School pupil at Newport Cathedral this afternoon.

The teenager died from head injuries following a one-vehicle crash on Newport's Usk Way on January 9.

Friends and family paid their respects with red ribbons in their hair and red roses pinned to their jackets, to mark Miss Doyle’s favourite colour.

The white coffin, adorned with red roses, was carried in to the Spice Girls song, Viva Forever, before the service began.

Her mother Emma O’Donoghue’s tribute, read out by the Reverend Jennifer Mole who conducted the service, said: “Xana, an unusual name for a unique and beautiful girl. Nothing and no-one could ever hold you back once you had your heart set on doing something.

“You couldn’t even wait for the midwife to arrive, the day you made your appearance in this world.

“Always a happy yet mischievous little tomboy.... you loved being one of the boys, playing football with your favourite cousin who you’d spend most of your weekends with.

“You didn’t make big plans for the future because you knew the now was the most important time. Why wait for tomorrow?

“You were so proud of your big sister Lauren, you loved play fighting with Zaine, your only brother, chasing each other around the house and you were so proud of your little sister Eve’s singing.

“Since you have left us, I have had countless messages telling us how you have helped, listened and encouraged many others and just being a source of unwavering friendship and support. I, like your sisters and brother, are so proud to call you mine.

“You were always there to lend a hand...always up for a game of monopoly or dancing, always the first to suggest a sambuca shot. You joked how you would be the one to care for me as I got old and how you were going to spike my tea with vodka and take me clubbing with you.

“I’m so glad that you enjoyed every second of your life.

“In the last two years you blossomed into a beautiful young woman, independent and hard working making us all so proud of you.

“You lived your life to the full but it’s over too soon. I’m going to miss you beyond words but I will never say goodbye, you are forever my baby, my Xana banana, my best friend. Keep the champagne on ice my girl until we meet again.”

Her best friend Joseph Pratlett also read a poem for Xana, which began: “Farewell my friend, you’re leaving, it’s time for you to go. Your friendship is a blessing and I will miss you so.”

Hymns at the service included Morning has Broken, Lord of all Hopefulness and Sing Hosanna, aptly changed to Sing for Xana.

Outside the cathedral following the service, white doves were released before family and friends moved on to St Woolos Cemetery.