MURDERED teenager Carly Bateman will finally be laid to rest.

A private funeral service for the 17-year-old, who was strangled and dumped in the outskirts of Bolton's red light district last month, is being held at Overdale West Chapel.

Her devastated parents, Vanessa and Alan, her sister Lianne and brother Simon, together with close friends, will bid a sad farewell to the girl they described as a "free spirit".

Carly, who worked as a prostitute to feed her drug habit, was found naked in an alleyway off Crawford Avenue, the Haulgh, in the early hours of Sunday, November 11.

A cortege will leave The Old Parsonage in Park Street at 11.45am for a service and committal at the crematorium at noon. Detectives leading the investigation into her murder are also expected to attend the service.

The family have requested that flowers or donations in memory of Carly may be sent for the British Diabetic Association.

Det Chief Insp Tony Cook, who is leading the murder hunt, said: "I hope that seeing Carly's family say their final farewells will prick the conscience of the person responsible for her death.

"It is important they realise how far reaching their actions have been, and that they come forward and speak to the police. It is vital that they explain to us what happened that night.

"I would also appeal to those people who use prostitutes in Bolton to come forward with whatever information they have about Carly, as it could prove vital to the enquiry.

"Detectives will be working throughout Christmas and the New Year, as we are all determined to catch whoever is responsible for Carly's death, not only so justice can be done, but for the sake of her family."

Officers are still trying to trace the clothes she was wearing on the night she died.

The light coloured three-quarter length pants, a grey and blue top with Ellesse written across the front and white Reebok trainers with pink inserts have never been found.

Last week her mother made a heartfelt plea for others not to follow her daughter's tragic path and urged BEN readers to help track down her killer. Officers are also keen to speak to anyone who was a client of Carly's. Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 0161 856 5961 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.