Funeral for Kenya victim - updated

UPDATED: 2.55pm:

The hearse carrying Caitlin Dickson's body has now left the Bethlehem Events Centre where her funeral service was held this afternoon.

The hearse is being followed by three to four cars as mourners prepare to leave.

EARLIER:

Mourners have gathered in groups, couples and families at Bethlehem Events Centre this afternoon to farewell Caitlin Dickson, the 19-year-old Tauranga girl killed in Kenya.

The funeral service for Caitlin was expected to draw thousands of people paying their respects.

A Bay of Plenty Times reporter at the college said the atmosphere was peaceful and the sun was shining.

"From 12.30pm there has been a steady flow of traffic. There are lots of students, adults, and families," she said.

"It's a very sombre occasion people are coming in pairs and groups."

The events centre is understood to have upped its 1300 person capacity to fit in the mourners.