Mourners wear purple as hundreds of people gather for funeral of 15-year-old Holly Newton in Hexham

The funeral of Hexham schoolgirl Holly Newton is taking place in the town. Credit: Handout

Hundreds of people are gathering to say their farewells to a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death.

The funeral of Holly Newton, from Haltwhistle, Northumberland, is taking place in Hexham.

Friends and family of the teenager are gathering at Hexham Abbey on Friday 17 February to say goodbye.

Ahead of the service, the town fell quiet with roads leading to the abbey cordoned off. Many of those attending are wearing purple - Holly's favourite colour - as a tribute to her.

Family pays tribute to their 'bright and bubbly' girl after stabbing

It is three weeks today since she died after being stabbed in the Priestpopple area of the town on Friday 27 January. Another teenager was also injured in the incident.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, has been charged with her murder.

Those attending the service had the chance to reflect on Holly’s life and share their memories of her. People were also able to leave purple hearts on canvas as a tribute to her.

  • Video report by Gregg Easteal.

The words of several of her friends were read aloud to the funeral service.

One saying simply: “I honestly can’t believe I will never get to see that beautiful smile again.I just wish we could have you back.”

Holly's mother Micala Trussler shared treasured memories of her first-born daughter.

Holly Newton, 15, was described as a bubbly teenager who loved dancing. Credit: Handout

Keeping her composure, she ended her thoughts saying: “Some people just do good for this world and my Holly was one of those people.”

Holly’s aunt Jemma, addressing the service, said: "It’s been 22 days since she was last with us. Already it feels like forever.

“The world is a much darker place without Holly’s light.”

Holly was a talented dancer and was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School.

Describing her as a "bubbly young person", Rev Henry Hope, of Hexham Abbey, said: "She was someone who was full of life and energy and had vision.

"I hope that’s something we can take away from this funeral."

He added: "I think Hexham is still feeling shocked and working through the grief that people have been experiencing at Holly’s death and still looking for a place to take that grief.

“We’ve had a steady stream of people coming in to light candles here at the abbey.”

In a statement released today, Queen Elizabeth High School said: "Holly Newton is in our thoughts in particular today, the day of her funeral. Staff and students will be in attendance at the service in Hexham Abbey wearing items of purple in memory of Holly and to signal support for her family.  

"Holly’s cortege will pass the school on the way to the Abbey. Staff not attending the funeral will line Whetstone Bridge Road at that time as a mark of respect. Students are not in school today as it is a teacher training day.

"The thoughts of all in our school community are with Holly’s family and friends."

Rev Hope said it was a challenging situation but said the abbey was there for the community.

He said: "Nothing can take away the pain or the hurt or the grief that people carry, especially Holly’s family and friends and the people who knew her.

Holly's funeral is taking place at Hexham Abbey.

"That opportunity to come together for the funeral helps us to move our perspective and start looking ahead.

"Not to leave behind but what has happened but to be assured that there is life at the centre and life continues and there is that hope of new life.

"It just allows us to look on and start turning, not our backs on Holly, but to allow us to move forward, despite everything that has happened."

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