THE father of murdered British backpacker Caroline Stuttle has paid an emotional tribute to the teenager he described as his "little mate".

Artist Alan Stuttle is putting his city centre gallery, in York, up for sale after 30 years, saying he wants to start over again following the death of his daughter.

Mr Stuttle, 63, who lives in Scarborough, said his gallery there would remain open.

Caroline, 19, is thought to have been robbed and then thrown from a 65ft bridge in the town of Bundaberg, in Queensland, Australia, last month.

Mr Stuttle said it was fitting that a charity set up in her name in Australia would be called Caroline's Rainbow Fund.

"I used to paint rainbows with Caroline. The night she died, there was a rainbow in Australia for no reason whatsoever.

"Her friends said they remembered it appearing in the sky," he said.

"We used to go to paint in the Dales. She was like my little mate. She was a great kid."

"I've been to hell. I will never be frightened of anything again. We've been to hell, the whole family," he said.

"We want to say a big thank you to all our customers and our friends and for all the love that has been given to us by the people of York."

He thanked the police in York and Australia for their support, and paid tribute to his son, Richard, for his bravery during the family's ordeal.

"We are so glad for the love of a wonderful daughter and for the love of a wonderful son," he said.