Friends and family mourn teenager

It is not thought Gemma Dimmick was a victim of bullying

Hundreds of mourners turned out on Friday morning for the funeral of 15-year-old Gemma Dimmick.

Among those who attended the service for Gemma this morning at the town's St John's Church were many of her schoolfriends.T

Gemma attended Hirst High School at Ashington in Northumberland and was the second pupil from the school to be found dead in two weeks.

Two weeks earlier, 16-year-old Karl Peart - another Hirst High pupil - apparently killed himself after being tormented by bullies.

Gemma's death is still being investigated but there is not thought to be any link between the two cases.

Northumberland County Council started an internal inquiry into the deaths and the school has brought in counsellors.

Staff at Gemma's school said they were "absolutely devastated" by her death.

Headteacher, Ged Lee, said: "[Gemma's death] is particularly hard to handle coming so soon after the death of fellow pupil Karl Peart.

"Gemma was a vibrant member of the school community and her death is a complete shock.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.