Funeral takes place for a 15 year-old girl who was stabbed to death on her way to school

Mourners have gathered for the funeral of a 15 year-old girl who was stabbed to death on her way to school in September.

Elianne Andam died in an attack in Croydon, south London.

The service for the teenager at the New Life Christian Centre, Croydon.

Her coffin was brought to the service in a white carriage drawn by four white horses with pink plumes.

The pallbearers who accompanied the coffin into the church were dressed in dark suits with white shirts and pink ties.

Speaking ahead of the funeral, Elianne's aunts Regina Boafo and Ruby Paintsil said it would be a celebration of her life because "she's a girl that liked to bring joy to people's lives".

"Every time she'd get in trouble (it was) fighting for someone else."

She added that the service would be a celebration and said: "If Elianne was here she'd say 'go on, have fun, don't break down', and things like that."

Ms Boafo added: "It will be nice to celebrate it and for us, she will forever remain in our hearts - she can never be gone."

Previously, Elianne's family said in a statement: "We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken.

"Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers."

Elianne had met up with two female friends on her way to school before she was "brutally" attacked.

A special post-mortem examination showed she had suffered multiple stab wounds.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with Elianne's murder and will face trial on April 29.