THEIR faces said it all. Dressed in black jumpers, skirts and boots, groups of teenage girls linked arms as they headed towards the church.

Some carried little bunches of cream roses, their petals glinting in the morning sunlight.

All had come to say a final farewell to their friend Hannah Foster, pictured above left, taken from them so cruelly four weeks earlier.

Yesterday the teenagers and other mourners were urged to treasure their memories of the 17-year-old, who was found raped and murdered after failing to return from a night out with friends.

In his address, Rev Graham Archer, vicar of Highfield Church, in Southampton, said: "Publicity surrounding Hannah's death has elevated her to almost celebrity status, but those of you who knew her as a friend or family member should not let anyone rob you of how you remember her.

"Your memories cannot be taken away. They are part of her legacy to you. A killer has already taken one life. In your handling of your responses, make sure he takes no more."

Nearly 300 mourners packed into Highfield Church for the moving hour-long service.

Others watched the service via a video-link system from the adjacent church centre, while a handful of well-wishers congregated outside.

Former classmates from Cantell School in Bassett poured into the church, along with many students from Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh, where Hannah had been studying A-levels.

Yesterday pupils at Cantell School paid their own private tribute to Hannah by releasing 200 white balloons from the playground, while a minute's silence was held at Barton Peveril.

Eight police officers from the Operation Springfield murder squad, who are continuing the hunt for Hannah's killer, also attended the funeral service.

A hushed silence fell as Hannah's parents Hilary and Trevor Foster arrived to face what they described as one of the hardest days of their lives. Between them was Hannah's younger sister, Sarah, 14, who kept a tight hold of both parents' hands.

The family trailed into the church with other close relatives, behind Hannah's biodegradable bamboo coffin, specially chosen because of her commitment to environmental issues. Afterwards, close family members left for a private cremation at Southampton Crematorium.

For many mourners, the emotional service - which included tributes from Hannah's former teachers and poetry readings by two friends - proved all too much, and a number of young people left in tears.

Friend Katie Lyons bravely performed Ethereal Spirit, one of Hannah's favourite dances, to the music of The Lord's My Shepherd by J Rutter.

Retired teacher Clive Pitt, who taught English at Cantell School, recalled how Hannah had written with flair and maturity, and had a sensitivity way beyond her tender years.

Anne Richardson, of Barton Peveril College, said: "Hannah had an extraordinary intellect, and so much more. She had a spirit of adventure, and an immense sense of humour."

Hannah, who planned to become a doctor, was abducted as she walked home on Friday, March 14. Detectives launched a murder inquiry after her strangled body was found two days later in Allington Lane, West End.

Police inquiries are continuing in a bid to arrest the prime suspect, a 35-year-old man who fled to India four days after Hannah vanished.

Donations to the Hannah Foster Fund, set up by her family to help local charities, can be sent to J Lawrence and Sons funeral directors, 17 St Denys Road, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 2GN.