Tributes and tears flowed as hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to a policeman's daughter.

Mourners heard how Rae Torbet, who was found dead at her home in Cantelupe Road, Bexhill, last month, lit up the lives of everyone she met.

Her father, Detective Chief Inspector Jim Torbet, head of Eastbourne CID, and mother Zoe Marfleet joined friends and family to celebrate the 19-year-old bank clerk's life during a service at Eastbourne Crematorium yesterday.

Every seat was filled while a further 100 people gathered outside to pay their respects to the loving teenager.

Two of Miss Torbet's best friends paid tribute to the former head girl of Bexhill High before reciting the poem She Walks In Beauty.

There were tears in almost everyone's eyes as they read Lord Byron's work, which includes the poignant lines: "A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent".

The congregation then sang Morning Has Broken before Michael Conn, head of Bexhill High, remembered Miss Torbet as a hard-working, conscientious schoolgirl who always thought of others before herself.

He described her "big friendly smile" and added: "She was never afraid to do the right thing. She always worked hard in everything she did.

"Rae always had time for her fellow students, even the ones not necessarily close to her.

"Perhaps her only weakness was that she found it hard to refuse requests for help and always said yes to people even when she didn't have the time."

Miss Torbet worked tirelessly throughout her years at Bexhill High and managed to juggle both her GCSE studies and her responsibilities as head girl.

Mr Conn said: "I remember when she arrived in my office for her interview for the head girl."

"She appeared to be shy and quiet at first but, as soon as she began her presentation, any of my concerns that she might not have been able to handle the challenge were dispelled.

"Her election as head girl was a very popular one and everyone agreed she was the best choice."

Mr Conn fought back tears as he finished by saying: "She gave so much to so many people all through her short life.

"Rae, you were a sunshine in our life and we will never forget you."

Factory worker Dellwyn James, 31, of Chiltern Drive, Hastings, has been charged with Miss Torbet's murder. He has been remanded in custody until June 13.