MOURNERS have gathered to say a final goodbye to a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death.
Holly Newton was knifed in the street shortly after leaving school in Hexham, Northumberland, on January 27.
7Holly Newton is being laid to rest todayCredit: PA
7The teen’s coffin is carried into Hexham Abbey adorned with purple flowersCredit: PA
7Keen dancer Holly was stabbed to deathCredit: NCJ MediaA 16-year-old boy, who can’t be named, has been charged with her murder.
Emotional mourners today lined the streets in the town ahead of the teen’s funeral.
Holly’s white was taken on the procession in a carriage drawn by horses with purple feathers.
A hearse carried flowers reading “daughter” to Hexham Abbey where a service is taking place.
Ribbons have also been placed around the town centre in Holly’s favourite colour, purple.
Those attending have been asked to reflect on the schoolgirl’s life and share their memories of her.
Mourners will also be able to leave purple hearts on a canvas as a tribute to the teen.
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.”
The horror unfolded just after 5pm on January 27 outside Pizza Pizza restaurant.
Holly and her boyfriend had staggered into the takeaway where stunned staff rushed to help them.
She was taken to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved and died shortly after.
Her boyfriend, 16, suffered non-life threatening stab wounds after trying to save Holly.
The teen’s family previously paid tribute to the “bright and bubbly girl” who was “so passionate about her family and many friends”.
A statement said: “She was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin.
“Holly was always a popular girl, who was loved by so many people – not just in Hexham – but all over the North East.
“Holly also loved dancing and was so talented – and a big part of her spare time was spent at classes and taking part in competitions up and down the country.
“She had her whole life ahead of her and we are still coming to terms with the fact that our beautiful and loving girl is no longer with us.
“Rest in peace to our baby girl – we love you so much and our lives will never be the same without you here. You touched so many hearts and you will be missed beyond words by all of your family and loved ones.
“As a family, we would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind words.”
7Horses wore feathers in Holly’s favourite colour purpleCredit: PA
7The teen has been described as “bright and bubbly”Credit: PA
7Holly was a talented dancer and was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth High SchoolCredit: PA
7Holly was stabbed outside a restaurant shortly after schoolCredit: NCJ Media
Story Credit: thesun.co.uk