Jia Ashton funeral to be held in Somercotes

The funeral of murdered Thorntons worker Jia Ashton is due to take place in Derbyshire later.

The 25-year-old economics graduate went missing after leaving the chocolate firm's head office in Somercotes. Her body was found in nearby woodland.

Described by her husband as his "pocket princess", she will be laid to rest at the town's St Thomas's Church later.

David Simmonds, 21, has been charged with the murder of Mrs Ashton, who had suffered head injuries.

She is believed to have walked into Sleetmoor Woods along a path known locally as the "yellow brick road", after leaving work on 10 March.

Her body was discovered three days later.

Mrs Ashton's husband Matthew, whom she met while studying economics at the University of Warwick and married in her native China in 2006, has said his wife "lived life beyond the fullest".

"Nobody should suffer what Jia suffered. This tragedy has robbed her of her life, devastated her family and touched the heart of her adoptive community," he said.

"At 25, she had already achieved more than most 60-year-olds and I feel that if you hadn't met her by now, one day you would have. Those who had met her should consider themselves richer for it."

Dozens of mourners are expected to pay their respects at her funeral, which is being held at 1200 BST.

Close friends and family members will then attend a private cremation in Markeaton.