'Kayleigh’s legacy will live on forever' say parents of teenager one year on

The parents of murdered teenager Kayleigh Haywood have released an emotional letter on the anniversary of her death, saying she will "never ever be forgotten".

The 15-year-old from Measham in Leicestershire was raped and killed last November after being groomed online by a man she had never met.

Her body was later found on farmland near Ibstock in November 2015.

Kayleigh's family will hold a memorial service today to mark the first anniversary of her murder.

Her parents explain in the letter how they felt when their daughter first went missing describing it as "a nightmare that we couldn’t wake from."

They go on to praise the police and officers who have supported them, as well as the search teams, lawyers and friends and family.

The letter finishes with the words "She touched so many people’s hearts our beautiful little girl, and Kayleigh’s legacy will live on forever."

'Kayleigh’s Love Story': Award for film warning of dangers of online grooming

'Kayleigh's Love Story' was put together by her family and Leicestershire police. Credit: Family Handout

Read the full letter below:

Read more: Two men jailed for total of 47 years over Kayleigh Haywood murder