Mum's tribute on anniversary of daughter's death

A collage in memory of teenager Holly Newton

Purple stars now decorate Hexham Abbey in memory of Holly Newton.

The 15-year-old, who was killed in a fatal stabbing a year ago, was remembered in a memorial event at the abbey on Saturday.

The congregation heard Holly described as a "beautiful, bright soul" who would never be forgotten.

Thanking the community for its support, Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, said it brought comfort to know she was not alone in her grief.

Holly died from stab wounds in hospital after being found injured in Priestpopple, Hexham, a year ago.

Saturday morning saw scores of loved ones write messages to the teenager on purple stars that were then strung around the historic abbey as part of a remembrance installation.

The memorial service was organised by Ms Trussler, who used the opportunity to reflect on the support she had received since her daughter's death.

Holly Newton was killed in a knife attack a year ago

She said: "I think coming together for her anniversary is important, no matter how hard it is.

"It brings comfort knowing I'm not on my own - I've got my family and the wider community."

The ancient abbey was lit purple in honour of Holly's favourite colour, as friends, family and the wider public gathered in her memory.

Candles were lit and floral tributes laid following the service.

Ms Trussler said the event had underlined once again how loved the schoolgirl was - and how her death left the small community of Hexham in shock.

She said: "It's not just about me, it has affected Hexham and beyond."

Tributes were left in Holly's favourite colour

The service was led by Dr Henry Hope, assistant curate at the abbey.

He described Holly's death as an event that touched the whole community, adding: "This was an important opportunity to invite the community and give them the chance to bring all of the emotions they've carried for the past year.

"It is wonderful to have hundreds of purple stars reminding us just how significant Holly has been to so many people."

Holly's mother Micala Trussler with some of the purple stars created in memory of her daughter

Holly, from Haltwhistle, had been walking home from school with a friend when she was stabbed.

She was found injured in the Priestpopple area of Hexham but later died in hospital, while a 16-year-old boy was also treated for knife injuries sustained during the attack.

A teenage boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.