Parents lay daughter Emma to rest

The service was described as a celebration of Emma Caldwell's life

The funeral of Emma Caldwell has taken place more than two years after her body was found in south Lanarkshire.

The 27-year-old had been working as a prostitute in Glasgow when she went missing in April 2005.

Her body was found six weeks later in woods near Roberton. Four men have been charged with her murder.

Ms Caldwell's uncle, Jim Coyle, told 200 mourners laughter was her favourite thing. He said she had hoped to be free one day of her drug addiction.

The service was held in Elim Church, in Govanhill, Glasgow - which Ms Caldwell attended.

Pastor Simon Foster said the celebration showed she was loved by a lot of people and he described her death as a terrible tragedy.

Mr Coyle said his thoughts returned to the innocence of his niece's childhood.

He spoke about her first words, the first time she walked and the "warm and cosy thoughts" of Christmas and birthdays.

'Beautiful daughter'

"Laughter was Emma's favourite thing of all, a huge smile lit up her face" he said.

"She was happy in a world, safe and secure and trouble free - the kind of childhood children deserved."

Emma was loved and will continue to be loved - she will never ever be forgotten Anne Wallace Salt and Light

"She loved her family and they loved her."

Mr Coyle added: "She hoped one day to be free of her addiction."

Former Det Supt Willie Johnston, who led the investigation, gave a reading from the Bible.

The parents of Ms Caldwell invited friends of their daughter to the funeral.

The Caldwell family said that Emma loved horses and the countryside before she became embroiled in drugs.

They believe she became an addict and prostitute after having difficulty coming to terms with the death of her older sister Karen.

'Passionate and fearless'

Anne Wallace, who worked with Salt and Light, which helps prostitutes and those with addiction problems, said Ms Caldwell had told her she hated her life.

"She said she didn't want to live like that any longer," she said.

"She asked: 'How can I get out of it?'

"She sat and sobbed in my arms."

William and Margaret Caldwell arrive at Elim Church in Glasgow

Ms Wallace then addressed Ms Caldwell's parents, William and Margaret.

"You brought up a beautiful, beautiful daughter," she said.

"Emma was loved and will continue to be loved - she will never ever be forgotten."

Pastor Foster said Ms Caldwell was an astounding young lady who had a real zeal for life.

He described her an incredibly passionate and fearless.

"She was bubbly and full of life," he said.

He added that the death of her sister Karen had left her "vulnerable and in pain".

"She became another victim of the drug culture here in Glasgow," he said.

Four men appeared in court earlier this month charged Ms Caldwell's murder.

They made no plea or declaration and were remanded in custody.