Meditational music, silent reflection, laughter and tears dominated the funeral of murdered Joanne Clarke.

Her funeral inside the main hall of North Oxfordshire College, Banbury, was officiated by Nigel Collins from the British Humanist Association, was noticeable for its lack of religious overtones.

Some mourners had to stand as more than 300 people packed the hall for the funeral which did not have prayers or hymns but consisted of readings, poetry, meditation and singing.

Joanne, 24, from Banbury, was murdered on Paradise Island in the Bahamas last month.

At the service Mr Collins described her as a "deeply compassionate woman who was artistic and creative".

He said: "Joanne had a unique personality which was irreplaceable.

"She will live on in your memories, in the hearts of her family and friends."

An acoustic version of REM's Everybody Hurts was sung during the service, followed by a string of tributes which were read out by friends, university colleagues and school teachers.

There were a few minutes of silent reflection and meditation before Sinead O'Connor's Scarlet Ribbons was sung by mourners.

"In sadness over her death, we give gratitude for her life," added Mr Collins.

"She lives on, not in a grave or in an urn but in the hearts and minds of the living."

And as her coffin was slowly taken away for a private cremation service, the music of Robbie Williams's Angels was played.

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