Hundreds gather at memorial event for tragic Paige Doherty

Hundreds of people have turned out at a local park to remember Clydebank teenager Paige Doherty.

The memorial event at Whitecrook Park in the West Dunbartonshire town was arranged by friends of the 15-year-old who went missing last Saturday.

Her body was found two days later in bushes at the side of Great Western Road.

A man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Around 300 people, many carrying pink balloons, gathered on Saturday night to pay tribute to the teenager, described as the "most outstanding, amazing girl".

Some of Paige's friends thanked the crowd who had turned out in the wind and rain to take part in the event.

One girl said: "Paige was so beautiful, everything about her you just wouldn't change. For that to get taken away from us was absolutely heart-breaking."

Another added: "I just can't believe she has gone, it hasn't sunk in. There's only one star in the sky tonight and it's obviously Paige looking down on us."

Songs were played as those gathered stood to remember the schoolgirl, including Coldplay's Yellow and a version of Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars.

A minute's silence was then held before people tied balloons to the park's railings and lit candles.

Many flowers were also laid at the scene, with pink balloons left at the entrance to the park spelling out the teenager's name.

Posters held up by friends included one reading "fly high princess".

John Leathem, 31, made no plea during a private hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Saturday when he was charged with murder. He was remanded in custody.