People line streets of Plymouth for funeral of murdered teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod

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Hundreds of people lined the streets of Plymouth ahead of the funeral of teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod.

The 18-year-old was murdered in November last year by 24-year-old Cody Ackland.

Today (26 May), people in the city came together to remember the popular teenager, who has been described as a kind, loving and loyal young woman.

The funeral procession left from Bobbi-Anne's home in Leigham at around 11.20am, accompanied by a police escort.

Bobbi-Anne McLeod was murdered in November last year

Bobbi-Anne's sparkling pale blue coffin, which was decked out with blue and white flowers spelling out ‘Bobbi’, was taken through the area by a horse-drawn carriage.

Many people have lined the streets wearing band T-shirts to remember Bobbi-Anne, who loved wearing them herself.

A large crowd gathered outside St Andrew's Church, where a private service for close friends and family was held.

People gathered outside the church to pay their respect to the popular teenager Credit: PA

Speaking after the funeral Joe Dent, Rector of St Andrew's Church, said: "None of us would have wanted to be here today having this kind of service, but the focus of today is Bobbi-Anne herself.

"The number of people that have gathered to express their thanksgiving and love for her, and all that she means to everyone, is a real testimony to the kind of person that she was.

"We want to focus on her today and all that she means to everyone that's come, and indeed to the whole city of Plymouth." 

Bobbi-Anne's coffin was taken to the church in a horse-drawn carriage Credit: PA

In a statement released after her killer was sentenced, Bobbi-Anne's family described her as "the best daughter, the best sister, and the best friend to so many people".

They said: "Bobbi was a beautiful girl who lit up our lives and the lives of everyone she ever met. She was kind, funny, and loyal."

"We've been robbed of our beautiful girl in the worst possible way and our lives will never be the same without her.

"So many everyday things have been taken away. Her not being here is still unimaginable."

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard is among those to have paid tribute to Bobbi-Anne today.

He said: "It’s an important day for our city to celebrate her life and say goodbye to her.

"Let’s remember her for her life and the joy she brought, not her death."