HEXHAM Abbey is there for everybody - that's the message of the Rev'd Dr Henry Hope.

The message comes in the wake of the death of Holly Newton, 15.

Holly died after a double stabbing in the town centre which also saw a 16-year-old boy suffer serious injuries. 

After a vigil that saw hundreds of people gather to remember popular Holly, of Haltwhistle, the abbey opened its doors to the community for the lighting of candles and reflection.

"People have been shocked and not quite known how to deal with this", Rev'd Dr Henry Hope told the Courant. 

"They've come here and looked for that comfort, reassurance and for a space where there's no expectation, where they can just be with the feelings that they have.

"I hope very much that anyone who comes to the abbey knows it is a place without judgement and you can just come and be who you are; the doors are open to all, obviously it's a religious building, but there's no expectation."

Hexham has united in its grief for tragic Holly, who was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School.

The Rev'd Dr added: "For Holly's friends and people who knew her, death is difficult and to experience somebody dying whose the same age as you, makes it extra difficult for young people - for many of them, it will be the first time they're confronted with the reality of death in violent circumstances.

"People have personally been touched by this - all of the wonderful people who tried to help, the paramedics, the doctors and nurses. It touches a real chord with people.

"What is so wonderful about this place (Hexham) is that there is that sense of community and support - not just when there is a tragedy, but really for day-to-day life too.

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"As a community, we continue to pray, pray for Holly's family, for this town and for all that lies ahead in the summer when everything, no doubt, will become raw again when the trial takes place. The abbey will be there."

Prayer cards from Hexham Abbey read: "God of peace, we come to you in shock and grief, troubled and confused by Holly's untimely death. 

"Help us to trust that she now rests secure with you and give us light to guide us out of our darkness into the assurance of your love.

"Through Jesus Christ, our lord. Amen."