Friends of Tia Sharp have paid tribute to the schoolgirl following her funeral.

Students, staff, parents and governors lined the streets outside Raynes Park High School, where the 12-year-old was a pupil, as the cortège passed yesterday.

Tia, who was found dead in her grandmother's New Addington home on August 10, was described as a "popular and well liked student, who had made a positive start to her time at Raynes Park."

Tributes from some of her friends included: "Tia was so friendly and popular with everyone", "She was always funny and made me laugh", "Everyone liked her" and "We will never forget her."

Headteacher Phillip Wheatley said: "We were privileged to be able to pay our respects to Tia by lining the route as the cortège passed by the school.

"We would like to express our thanks to the family for giving us the opportunity.

"I am very proud of the dignified way in which the students conducted themselves.

"The thoughts and prayers of all the staff and students at the school are with Tia's family and friends."