HUNDREDS of people gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of Holly Newton.

Fifteen-year-old Holly tragically died after she was stabbed on January 27 in the Priestpopple area of Hexham.

Members of the community came out to pay tribute to Holly as her funeral cortege passed through the town to Hexham Abbey.

The hearse with Holly's name displayed in floral letters was followed by a horse and carriage carrying her coffin.

During the emotional service at the Abbey, which was lit purple - Holly's favourite colour, the popular teenager's mum Micala said she "would always be remembered and loved".

"I'm a big believer that some people are just too good for this world and my Holly was one of them."

READ MORE: Family and friends pay tribute to 'beautiful' and 'funny' Holly at funeral

Holly's aunty and dance teacher also shared their memories of her, and tributes from her friends were read aloud.

One of her friends said Holly "made everyone laugh and always had a smile on her face".

"She could make friends everywhere she went," she said.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Funeral for teenager Holly Newton takes place in Hexham

Hexham Courant:

Those who had gathered at the Abbey were invited to stick a purple heart sticker on a blank canvas - demonstrating the love people had for her.

Daughtry's ‘Gone Too Soon’ was played as mourners, many of them wearing purple, said their final goodbyes to Holly.

The service was followed by a private interment and wake.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court charged with her murder.

The teenager is set to enter pleas at a hearing on February 27.