A main road beside the spot where the body of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne was discovered was fully open to traffic again today.

This after police removed thousands of flowers and tributes from well-wishers.

Despite an earlier decision by Sarah's family not to return to the tragic scene by the A29 at Pulborough, they changed their minds at the last moment and made one last farewell visit to the spot last night shortly before the sea of flowers, presents and cards was taken away.

Sara and Michael Payne requested that they should not be photographed or filmed during the 20-minute visit.

They gathered more messages of support from the thousands left by the roadside and their children Lee, 13, Luke, 11, and Charlotte, six, took toys and flowers to carry home with them.

The family were joined by Sarah's grandparents Terry and Lesley and by Sara and Michael's brothers and sisters.

One of the family's liaison officers, Detective Sergeant Sean Scott, said the family wanted to make their farewell visit in private.

He said the toys and pot plants left at the site where Sarah's naked body was found would be taken to the grandparents' house near the place where she disappeared in East Preston.

Dead flowers were removed and destroyed last night.

The family are considering using the toys and other tributes in the memorial service they are planning for Sarah.

It is understood the toys will then be distributed to hospitals and other worthy causes.