Floral tributes were laid in memory of Jodi

The brutally attacked body of the 14-year-old, who attended St David's in Dalkeith, was found on a woodland path on Monday evening.

The Catholic high school's chaplain, Father Joe McMullen, led prayers for Jodi at noon on Wednesday.

He said it was vital for both pupils and staff to come together as a community to "express and share the grief and sorrow that they have".

Fr McMullen added: "This is a big shock, it came out of the blue and nothing prepares you for it.

"It is more than just the loss of a friend for pupils in the school, this was a violent and brutal murder which they have to face up to.

We'll all miss you. Shoot for the moon - even if you feel you'll land amongst the stars One floral tribute

"I think the assembly is an important part of a healing process that has to go on, we have to give them time to remember Jodi, to pray for Jodi, that is our Catholic tradition.

"It is of tremendous value that we know that first and foremost God is with us, he shares our suffering."

Jodi's mother called the police after her daughter failed to meet her evening curfew on Monday.

Family and friends, including Jodi's 14-year-old boyfriend, conducted a search of the nearby area.

The youngster's body was discovered at the back of Newbattle High School at about 1030 BST.

By lunchtime on Wednesday more than 30 bouquets had been laid at the entrance to the path, less than 200 yards from Jodi's homes.

'Beautiful person'

One floral message read: "Even though we didn't know you, we feel tremendous pain in our hearts. Rest in peace, little angel...".

Another tribute read: "Safe in God's keeping, everyone is thinking of you, Jodi."

At Newbattle High School more than 35 floral tributes had been laid at the gates. One of the cards attached read: "Such a waste of a life and a beautiful person."

Alongside a teddy bear, four people named Andrea, Emma, Lynz and Kirsty had written: "We'll all miss you. Shoot for the moon - even if you feel you'll land amongst the stars."

The teenager was described as popular among fellow pupils

A group of friends had also penned a poem in which they spoke of the happier times they had enjoyed with Jodi.

Someone else had left a placard with the now familiar smiling face of Jodi, taken some 18 months ago and widely published today.

Another floral message said simply: "I will miss you at school. You were always smiling - Caryn Brya - xxx."

Grief counsellors have been at St David's school since pupils were informed of the death at 0900 BST on Monday morning.

The experts have been deployed from Midlothian Council.

The local authority's director of education Donald Mackay said it was important to work directly with the school.

He said: "Midlothian is a very small area and this has had a tremendous impact on the whole community, not just the school community.

"But we will be working particularly with the school and the young girl's colleagues and give them support."