TOUCHING tributes were paid to much-loved Holly Newton at her funeral today.

Holly, 15, tragically died after she was stabbed on January 27 in the Priestpopple area of Hexham.

A service celebrating the life of the teenager from Haltwhistle took place at Hexham Abbey, which was lit up purple - Holly's favourite colour, this morning.

Holly's mum Micala Trussler told the congregation: "Holly will 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."

She also shared recollections of Holly's younger years, including her first day at school, and when the teenager swallowed a 2p coin, thinking it was a chocolate coin.

Micala described her first-born daughter as "sporty and adventurous" and said her "favourite place in the world" was Alton Towers.

READ MORE: Hundreds gather to pay their respects to 15-year-old Holly Newton at funeral

Holly's aunty Jemma added: "Holly was a beautiful, bright, fiery, clever and kind girl."

"Holly loved her mum and loved her dad, she loved them endlessly, she adored her younger brothers and sisters and she was an amazing big sister," she said.

"Holly absolutely adored her nana and grandad who would do absolutely anything in the world for her.

"Holly was lucky enough to have two families who loved her beyond words."

"We were so, so lucky to have 15 amazing years of our Holly," she added. "It's devastating beyond words that she's gone."

The popular teenager loved dancing - her mum said it made her "feel like herself" - and her dance coach Kelly described Holly as "funny, kind, and hard-working" and who helped younger students.

"When she's not there in class we all feel it," said Kelly.

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

Tributes by Holly's close friends were also read aloud.

"Holly was beautiful, not only on the outside but she also had a beautiful soul on the inside," said one. "She had the loveliest smile and was very caring to other people."

Another said: "Holly was amazing.

"I loved Holly and I always will."

Her friends added that Holly "always had a smile on her face and could make friends everywhere she went" and that she "always put everyone else before herself".

Holly was the much-loved daughter of Micala and Chris, and step daughter of Lee and Amy. She also leaves behind siblings Jake, Abilee, Scarlett, Grace and grandparents Vicki and Philip.