Tributes have poured in after a teenager was tragically found dead in a river in Dorchester.

Eighteen-year-old Alice Bendall from Charminster, had been missing for ten weeks after leaving their family home on February 18 2023.

A fundraiser has been set up to cover the costs of the funeral, with over £5,000 donated already.

Letters and floral tributes have been left on Lubbecke Way as family and friends wrote emotional goodbyes.

In a letter addressed to her daughter, mum Vicky Bendall said: "Our hearts are broken.

"Life will never be the same without sharing it with you.

"There is an empty bed an empty chair and a deafening silence.

"But in my heart, I shall feel you and that love will never die. I will never say goodbye.

"You were the most wanted little thing in the world.

"Our most wished-for gift. We were blessed with eighteen years of you – your unconditional love, your empathy and sensitivity, your infectious giggle, your easy determination, your physical energy like no other, your enthusiasm and sparkle and your ability to stand up for anyone needy or vulnerable.

“How proud could any mother have been!

"If only you could see how much the world loved you – so many tears and many hugs and so many memories."

Another letter from sister Mary contained flowers which Alice - also known as Alex - had intended to put on a birthday cake, the day after they disappeared.

The letter also spoke about their dream to see the Northern Lights.

The letter from Mary wrote: "You will never be forgotten, I will always tell the world what a menace you were.

"Did you know the Northern Lights were visible from Charminster 3 nights ago, it was always your dream to see them.

"I hope wherever you are now brings you rest and peace.

"Living without you won’t be living, as I have never lived on this earth when you have not. Until we meet again, I know Grandpa John there will look after you. These are the flowers you were going to put on my birthday cake."

The fundraising page has been set up by a family friend.

Thomas Murley, a close friend of brother Will, said that they were "loved and adored" by family and friends who were "devastated" by their tragic passing.

He wrote: "Alex deserves the best farewell to show how much they were loved and to celebrate the blessings and joy that they brought to the world.

"This fund will help to provide that farewell and provide an enduring legacy that will help improve the lives of other young people.

"Alex's family spent ten traumatic weeks searching but never got the opportunity to say goodbye.

"Please help this devastated family give Alex the farewell they deserve by donating to this funeral and legacy fund."

The fundraiser can be found online via GoFundMe.