TEARS flowed as hundreds of mourners gathered yesterday to remember a young woman who was killed only days after moving to the North-East.

Friends and family of Carie Burns packed St George's Church, in Kendal, Cumbria, to pay tribute to the 21-year-old, who died from samurai sword wounds and after being run over by a car.

She was found dying in Thomas Street, in Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, on May 12 - days after she moved from her home in Grasmere Crescent, Kendal.

Mourners outside the church watched in silence as the white coffin arrived on a carriage drawn by two white horses, followed by Miss Burns' mother, Tracey Wilson, and other family members.

Inside the church, the congregation, which included many young friends of Miss Burns, sobbed as specially chosen songs, including Never Forget by Take That and How do I live Without You by LeAnne Rimes were played.

In his sermon, the Reverend Dr Alan Billings asked the mourners to put their feelings of anger aside for a moment to remember her.

He said: "Carie was an independent person who wanted to pack as much as she could into her life. She loved life and wanted to get out there and live it."

He said Miss Burns had been a pupil at Castle Park School, Queen Katherine School and Kendal College.

Afterwards, she had worked in a variety of jobs, including as a carer and shop assistant.

Dr Billings told how Miss Burns had arrived in the North-East to make a new start after the death of two of her friends in Kendal.

He said: "Sadly, that was not to be. Her time in Consett was cut short, as was her life."

He also asked the mourners to remember Miss Burns' mother, who had suffered a double tragedy.

Less than 12 months ago, Mrs Wilson's husband and Miss Burns' stepfather, Alan Wilson, was killed in a motorbike crash, near Blackburn, Lancashire.

Connor Burns, Miss Burns' young cousin, paid a moving tribute to the young woman he described as being like a big sister. He said: "I loved Carie with all my heart... and I will miss her like there is no tomorrow. I will make sure she is never forgotten."

l Hugh Penrose, 36, of Thomas Street, Blackhill, has been charged with the murder of Miss Burns and is remanded in custody. He is due to enter plea and directions at Newcastle Crown Court on July 18.