The family of a seven-year-old girl killed in the Southport knife attack have said they will mark her life with “positivity, hope and love” as they paid their last respects to a “truly unforgettable” girl before her funeral.

In a statement released on the morning of Elsie Dot Stancombe’s funeral, her family described her as a “devoted Swiftie” who “brought light, love and joy to so many lives.”

They said: “Elsie has embraced life and with positivity, hope and love we celebrate her life today on ‘Elsie’s special day’.

“Elsie spent each day enjoying life with determination, perseverance, love and kindness. Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room she entered. She was truly unforgettable.”

Elsie, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, suffered fatal injuries in the attack during a Taylor Swift dance class at a Hart Street studio on July 29.

Her family said: “She loved dancing and it goes without saying that she was a devoted ‘Swiftie’, she was always up for anything and tried every activity, we went to all of them.

“She found her true passion in cheerleading, her weekly classes couldn’t come fast enough. Her perseverance was admirable, from taking part in a 3k run and a 10k charity run for her local hospice to progressing into the school book bands. She gave 100% to everything she did and would never give up.”

Along with the statement, a new photo was released showing Elsie with her three-year-old younger sister Rosie and her parents David and Jenni. The statement continued: “Our family motto is: ‘As long as you do your best, enjoy yourself and have fun, nothing else matters.’

“‘We are the four best friends in the whole wide world’ – and that mantra will stay with us for the rest of our lives, knowing that Elsie is here with us and will be in our hearts forever.

“Elsie brought light, love and joy to so many lives and this was evident to us by the overwhelming response from everyone who knew her and everyone in the community.

“We will always be grateful for the love and support we have received over the last few weeks and we are and will always be proud to live in Southport.

“For this reason, Elsie’s legacy will live on and we as a family will ensure that her influence and legacy live on with positivity and hope and that Elsie remains by our side forever and ever.”

Those who knew Elsie best have been invited to attend her funeral at 10am at St John’s Church, Birkdale, near Southport, while others may pay their last respects at the parish hall and Liverpool Road Methodist Church, where the service will be broadcast.

Mourners were asked to wear pastel or bright colors, but not black, for the service.

A statement on the FJ Gibb Funeral Directors Facebook page said: “Elsie’s mother and father and family encourage friends and the entire local community to give her the best possible celebration on Friday – ‘Elsie’s special day.'”

Before the service, a cortege will move through Birkdale to the church. After the service, the cortege will pass the flower square in front of the Atkinson Arts Centre in Southport, where a cortege from the Royal Mail, where Elsie’s father works, will also pass.

This service is the final funeral for the Southport victims.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, is accused of the murders of Elsie, Alice and Bebe, as well as the attempted murder of teacher Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, whose names cannot be mentioned for legal reasons, and possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.