Pals save the last dance for her

6:35pm Tuesday 12th February 2008

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FRIENDS of Stratton teenager Chelsea Smith who tragically took her own life will dance at her funeral in her memory.

Chelsea - a dedicated member of the Mcinernay School of Irish Dance - dreamed of one day making a living from her talent.

Her fellow dancers will perform one last dance in her honour dressed in traditional Irish costume.

The dance will be performed before her coffin is carried out.

The funeral date has not yet been set but Chelsea's mum Trudy is hoping to hold a wake in order to allow friends to write their messages in a book of memories.

Trudy, 44, has also opened up Chelsea's room to grieving friends so they can sit and think about her.

After the 16-year-old's funeral the room will be sealed in memory to her.

She said: "It's just something we want to do - I hope her friends can find the time to jot down their memories of her."

Mourners have been asked to wear pink, leopard print or Playboy motifs to Chelsea's funeral in honour of the youngster's favourite tops.

Trudy said: "Chelsea had a pair of leopard print hot pants she used to dance around the living room in - she was such a show-off and had no shame."

Chelsea took her own life at the family home in Stratton last week, turning her family's life upside down.

Her parents are mystified as to why their bubbly daughter committed suicide, but are determined to celebrate her life.

Trudy said: "We don't know why she did what she did but it's not how we will remember her.

"She'll always be the bossy, cheeky Chelsea we've always loved."

Chelsea's brother Ben has marked his sister's death with a tattoo bearing her name on his left forearm.

The 23-year-old said: "We weren't just brother and sister we were friends - she was always looking out for me demanding to know who I was going out with.

"She was the real boss of this house, the head of the household and it's just not the same without her."

Dozens of Chelsea's friends have left tributes to her on her Bebo webpage.

Friends have said they will never forget the brunette who was life and soul of the party.