THE family of Jodi Jones have paid a poignant tribute to the murdered teenager on the 10th anniversary of her death.

Mother Judy Jones and close family members laid sunflowers at the grave of the schoolgirl, who was found dead in woodland near her home in Easthouses, Midlothian, in 2003.

Community leaders said the teenager's murder a decade ago remained "a tragedy we will never forget".

The 14-year-old's body was found on a wooded path known as Roan's Dyke at about 10.30pm on June 30, 2003, after her boyfriend Luke Mitchell took her family to the spot.

Jodie had been taking a shortcut to Mitchell's home when she was attacked and killed.

Mitchell, then aged just 16, was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. He has maintained his innocence ever since.

Robert Hogg, a community councillor in Easthouses, said: "It's a tragedy we will never forget. It was such a terrible thing to happen to a young girl.

"The family of Jodi Jones have been so dignified over the years despite the tragedy.

"She still has a number of family members in Easthouses, and every year they leave Jodi's favourite flowers near to the entrance to where she was found and other special places."

He said local people would remember Jodi when they saw the tributes, and that he expected her family would continue the tradition.

He added: "Jodi had many friends who have grown up here and it makes you think about what she would be doing if she was still with us today."

Mitchell's case is currently being considered by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission after previous appeal bids were unsuccessful.

A former CID detective said the murder was one of the three biggest cases faced by officers over the past 40 years.

He said: "There was a massive number of officers on the inquiry and it went on for more than a year.

"Unlike most murder cases, which don't get solved after six months, officers weren't moved off the investigation.

"They were determined to make the arrest and the team worked around the clock."