Michaela McAreavey's father 'elated' by summer camp tribute

Michaela McAreavey's father, Mickey Harte, attended the summer camp in her memory

Michaela McAreavey's father, Mickey Harte, has said a summer camp set up in memory of his late daughter celebrated everything good about people.

He was speaking after he and Michaela's widower John McAreavey took part in the finale of the event in County Tyrone.

Seventy girls aged between 11 and 13 attended the first <link> <caption>Michaela Foundation</caption> <url href="http://themichaelafoundation.com/" platform="highweb"/> </link> Summer Camp which was held at Mrs McAreavey's former primary school.

The 27-year-old was murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius in January 2011.

Last week, the Mauritian Supreme Court found two hotel workers not guilty of killing the newlywed in her suite at the Legends Hotel.

The camp at Glencull Primary School near Ballygawley was based around five core elements chosen by Michaela's relatives, which they felt reflected her life.

They were faith, fun, fashion, the Irish language and wellbeing.

'Role model'

Mr Harte said he was "elated" by the success of the camp, adding: "It's such a change from the stuff we've had to deal with in the recent past."

Michaela's sister-in-law, Anne McAreavey, was one of the leaders of the summer camp.

She said: "Michaela was a great role model for me even whenever she was welcomed into our family and I personally, and I know all of the other camp leaders here, hope that we can be as good a role model as she was and carry on her memory and her values."

Miss McAreavey said the County Tyrone teacher "would have been in her element if she had been here".

"I know Michaela has been with us every single second," she added.