It was standing room only as hundreds of people who knew Claudia Landa packed into a church for her funeral today.

Hundreds of people from all over the country turned out to pay tribute to the 17-year-old known as Cloud to her closest friends.

Extra chairs had to be brought into St Mary’s Church in Church Road, Beddington, to allow attendees to sit comfortably while the service took place on Monday, April 28.

Claudia’s mother Naomi Martin, aunts, friends and stepdad Simon were among those to pay tribute to the outgoing and bubbly teenager who tragically died after being knocked down by a lorry in Mitcham.

Memories shared were rewarded by applause in support of the speakers who bravely stood in front of a packed congregation to honour their friend.

Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis and Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh were among the mourners who attended.

Afterwards people filed passed her open coffin and lit candles in memoriam.

The Richmond-upon-Thames College student died in hospital two days after an accident in Carshalton Road, at the junction with Goat Road, Mitcham, on Wednesday, April 2.

Claudia, a former Carshalton High School for Girls pupil from Hackbridge, Sutton, was on her way home from Richmond-upon-Thames College when she was knocked down.

The Wimbledon Guardian was overwhelmed by tributes to the popular youngster whose outgoing personality will clearly be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Claudia’s family organised a celebration of her life after a short service of committal at the South London Crematorium.

The so-called After Party was due to be held at the New Horizon Leisure Centre in South Lodge Avenue, Mitcham.

On Saturday night a fund-raising concert at The Vineyard Community Centre in Richmond was held to raise money to buy a bench in Claudia’s memory.

LISTEN: Musical friends Joe and Fionn have penned a song for Claudia: 

Claudia’s family have asked for floral tributes to be sent to Co-operative Funeralcare, 153 Streatham High Road, Streatham.