Hundreds of mourners turned out in brightly coloured clothing and all-in-one pyjamas to pay their respects to a teenage girl who died after being a victim of cyberbullying.

More than 400 people gathered for a service to celebrate the life of Hannah Smith, 14, who was founded hanged in her bedroom at the family home in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, two weeks ago.

Reverend Charlie Styles, who led the service at St Mary's Church in the town, said the tone of the funeral was one of celebration.

Afterwards, the congregation released purple and white balloons into the grey skies outside the church after a countdown of "1-2-3 - Goodbye" from Mr Styles.

Speaking after the service, he said: "The overall tone of the service, and the tone really of today, was a feeling of celebration and laughter even amidst the tears."

The family had requested mourners wear colourful clothing and "onesies".

Hannah's father David Smith, dressed in a blue T-shirt and jeans, was among those who carried her purple coffin out of a blue Audi Q7.

Her 16-year-old sister Jo walked behind the coffin, consoled by her stepmother, Deborah Smith.

Inside the church, balloons lined the aisles and a poster reading "Be happy for Hannah" was displayed on a lectern.

Mr Styles said Hannah's father had asked for any donations to go to a local anti-bullying group that had helped him and his family since the teenager's death.

"Today isn't a day for campaigning or politics, it's a day for saying goodbye, but instead of flowers or anything like that, Dave has asked for donations to Harborough Against Bullying," Mr Styles said.

Hannah's family have said the teenager endured months of torment on controversial question-and-answer website Ask.fm, but it has also been reported that she sent herself the majority of the abusive messages.

The controversial website had been due to publicise plans to deal with online bullying yesterday, but postponed the announcement due to the funeral.