A HEARTBROKEN daughter fought back tears as she spoke at her mother's funeral about life without her.

Friends and family of Sarah Melia, who was murdered by a knifeman last month, gathered yesterday at Overdale Crematorium in Bolton.

And Ms Melia's daughter, Meghan, aged 15, led tributes to her mother in a packed chapel.

She said: "No one can disagree with me when I say there is nothing more comforting than a mum's cuddle and that is the one thing I will miss so much "I know she will be pushing us along in life, helping us no matter what. She was a star to everyone."

Ms Melia was stabbed to death at her house in Catherine Street West, Horwich. The 34-year-old mother of two was found by Meghan at 3.30pm on Monday, January 14.

Despite a major police investigation, her killer is still at large.

The funeral cortege arrived at the crematorium just before 11am. Ms Melia's coffin was surrounded by flowers from her family. Floral tributes spelt out the words "mum" in white and "Sarah" in an assortment of colours.

Two arrangements in the shape of a handbag and a pair of shoes, signifying her love of both, also rested on the coffin. A cross, made from red roses, carried a card which said: "Sarah, I will climb on my tears to hug you in heaven. Always and forever with you. Love u love me. Mum and Derek."

Hundreds of mourners entered the chapel to the Eric Clapton song, Tears in Heaven. The congregation sang All Things Bright and Beautiful and read Psalm 23, The Lord Is My Shepherd.

Meghan paid tribute to her mum on behalf of herself and her brother Ethan, aged 10.

The Rev Stephen Fletcher, of Holy Trinity Church, Horwich, who led the service, then appealed for Ms Melia's killer to come forward. He said: "Murder is one of the most terrible crimes that can be committed. I believe the person who has done this terrible thing has reserved a place in hell.

"I appeal to anyone who knows anything about what happened to do the right thing and go to the police."

The congregation said the Lord's prayer and the service ended with one of Ms Melia's favourite songs, Boulevard of Broken Dreams.