Funeral of cyber-bullying victim

The friends of a teenager who took her own life after being bullied online wore bright coloured clothes today at her funeral.

Hundreds turned out to say goodbye to 14-year-old Hannah Smith who was targeted by cyber bullies on the social networking site Ask FM. Her father David said he wanted today's service to be a celebration of her life.

Jane Hesketh reports

Rt Rev Charlie Styles conducted the funeral service for cyber-bullying victim Hannah Smith.

He says the memorial to the teenager was a 'fitting tribute', with some 'interesting choices' by her family to celebrate her life.

The vicar who led the funeral of 14-year-old cyberbullying victim Hannah Smith called the service "a fitting tribute".

Rev Charlie Styles said: "There were obvious tears and it was quite heartbreaking really to hear, especially some of the younger people, some of Hannah's friends sobbing.

"But the overall tone of the service, and the tone really of today, was a feeling of celebration and laughter even amidst the tears.

"It was a fitting tribute to Hannah - the music choices were the sort of thing that she loved, that she liked to dance to or sing in the shower, which was just wonderful to be able to do and I think, as well, we managed to express some of the sadness that we're all feeling."

One hundred balloons have been released outside the church where Hannah Smith's funeral took place.

Hannah Smith's purple coffin was carried into St Mary's Church in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, by her father.

It was covered in a plastic sheet as the rain fell relentlessly.

Reverend Charlie Styles read extracts from a book of remembrance to Hannah, in which the 14-year-old was described as kind, loving and a good friend to all.

He said she warmed everyone's hearts and will be missed.

Dave Smith, the father of cyber-bullying victim Hannah Smith, has asked mourners attending her funeral to wear bright colours and 'onesies', to celebrate the life of the 14-year-old.

The funeral is taking place this morning.

Mourners have begun to arrive at St Mary's Church in Lutterworth for the funeral of 14-year-old Hannah Smith.

She took her own life on the 2nd of August after being relentlessly bullied on the social networking site Ask.fm.

Her coffin will be carried into the church by her father, Dave. Mourners have all been asked to wear bright colours.

In a statement, Ask.fm have said they will delay the findings of the internal report of their site's safety until after the funeral as a mark of respect to Hannah's family.

After the service, 100 balloons will be released outside the church.

The funeral of a teenager who took her own life after being bullied online will take place today.

14-year-old Hannah Smith from Lutterworth in Leicestershire was found hanged in her bedroom by her sister earlier this month after being targeted on the website Ask.fm.

Hannah's father, Dave Smith, has asked for her friends to wear bright colours and onesies to the funeral at St Mary's in Lutterworth.