Jane Longhurst was found dead five weeks after going missing

Her family and friends were joined at Tuesday's service by detectives from Sussex Police leading the investigation into her killing.

Colleagues and former pupils of Miss Longhurst were also at the funeral, held at St Peter's Church in Brighton.

The 31-year-old special needs music teacher, originally from Reading, went missing from her Brighton home on 14 March and was found dead on 19 April, at an RSPB sanctuary in nearby Pulborough.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had been strangled.

Wicker coffin

Members of the public gathered to watch proceedings as the funeral cortege of six cars arrived at the church.

Miss Longhurst's body was carried into the church in a wicker coffin, followed by her mother Liz, sister Sue Barnett, long-term partner Malcolm Sentance and dozens of relatives and friends.

Jane Longhurst's partner accompanied her mother to church

The priest, Father David Biggs, read a eulogy written by Mr Sentance.

It read: "I am heartbroken at the untimely loss of a truly great friend, someone who I felt a real love for, someone whose company I never tired of, someone who was simply great fun to be with."

Other eulogies were given by Miss Longhurst's sister, Paul Atkins, the head teacher of Uplands Special Needs School, where she taught, and Andy Sherwood, the conductor of the Musicians of All Saints, for whom she played violin.

Mr Atkins said: "Jane's death is a tragedy, but I ask that we do not dwell on this.

"I want to focus on her life and the impact she has made on so many people.

"The warmth of her personality and the genuine love for the pupils ensured that she soon had a close following of youngsters who recognised that she was the magic ingredient who would help them develop their musical skills."

'You are the best'

A group of musician friends played a musical tribute to Miss Longhurst.

Tributes from Jane Longhurst's pupils were left at the church

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, who is leading the investigation, attended the service with two family liaison officers working with her relatives.

Floral tributes and messages of sympathy were left outside the church.

One from a former pupil read: "You are the best", while another said: "To the teacher everyone loved, I will always miss you and will remember you as a happy person."

The service was followed by a private cremation.

Police have charged 35-year-old musician and sales rep Graham Coutts of Hove, East Sussex, with Miss Longhurst's murder.

He will appear before Lewes Crown Court on 1 August, when a plea and directions hearing will be held.