The funeral of murder victim Melanie Hall is to be held today in the town where she disappeared.

Miss Hall, originally from Brabourne Lees near Ashford, went missing more than a decade ago after a night out in Bath in 1996.

She had moved to the South-West in the early 1990s for university and to be nearer family.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the public funeral at Bath Abbey at 2.30pm to pay their respects, with speakers being set up outside to allow mourners to hear the service.

Bones identified as being those of Miss Hall, 25, were found in a bag by a workman on a verge near the M5, north of Bristol in October.

Detectives have reopened the investigation into her murder and are going over evidence.

A statement from Miss Hall's family said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support since the disappearance of Melanie 13 years ago and for the many messages of sympathy during the last few weeks."