We will miss her laugh and smile every day, say the family of Arena victim Kelly

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, was one of the 22 people killed in the bombing on May 22 and was hailed a hero after her family said she died shielding her sister Claire Booth and niece Hollie, 11.

Ms Booth and Hollie were seriously injured in the blast and spent weeks hospital but the family confirmed they have now been discharged.

Tributes were paid to Miss Brewster by her family ahead of her funeral yesterday.

A statement issued through South Yorkshire Police said: “Kelly was the life and soul of any party and loved to have a good time. She was always bright, bubbly, and her infectious spirit will be missed by many.”

The statement was issued on behalf of her family including parents Kevin and Kim, partner Ian Winslow, sister Claire, brother Adam, nieces Demi and Hollie, Mr Winslow’s daughter and her “best friend” Pheobe, and her brother-in-law Dale.

They said Miss Brewster and Mr Winslow were excited about moving into a new home and wanted to have children.

The statement said: “She was a huge lover of boy bands over the years, in particular One Direction. She had a huge soft spot for Louis T.”

Hundreds of people gathered at City Road Cemetery in Sheffield for Miss Brewster’s funeral.

Dozens of her friends and relatives had to listen to the service on speakers outside as the small church was so packed.

Many were in tears as they stood and listened. The coffin arrived at the cemetery in a white horse-drawn hearse.