FAMILY and friends of a little girl who died from a rare form of cancer hope to keep her memory alive by creating a memorial garden.

Paris Devlin, five, of Florence Avenue, Burnley, died on Saturday, August 18, at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects less than 100 children in the UK each year.

Paris had been ill for three weeks and had only been diagnosed with the cancer a week before she died.

Paris, a pupil at Cherry Fold Primary School, lived with her grandparents, Anthony and Ann Devlin, her mum, Maria, and sisters Toniann, 16, and Marny, two. She also has two other sisters, Carla, 15, and Paige, 14.

Her family are in talks with Burnley-based Calico Housing, which is looking into the possibility of building a memorial garden in either parkland near the family's home or at Cherry Fold Primary School.

Her grandmother Ann Devlin said: "It would be really nice to have a garden where all the children and her sisters could go to remember her.

"It would be really fitting as well as she loved parks."

Her grandfather Anthony Devlin said: "Paris would go every day. She knew where all the parks were and would stop there for hours."

A spokesperson for Calico said: "We are currently looking into the possibility of funding some kind of memorial for Paris, but as yet nothing has been finalised.

"Her family have been involved with community based activites we have run and Paris was even on the front cover of our magazine helping out with a community project. She was a lovely little girl and our heart goes out to her family at this sad time."

Her funeral will take place at St Teresa's Church in Barracks Road, Burnley, at noon today, followed by burial at Burnley Cemetery.

Paris is having a princess-themed funeral. She has been dressed up in a Sleeping Beauty costume and will be taken to the church in a horse and carriage.

Her coffin will be white with satin inside so it looks like it is for a princess and pink and gold balloons will be released at the burial by her school friends.

Her family have asked for donations to be given to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital instead of flowers. Money can be donated by contacting the hospital or Alderson and Horan funeral services on 01282 427483.