HUNDREDS of people gathered this afternoon to pay their respects to Gaia Pope at an emotional vigil in Swanage.

The community came out in numbers to remember Gaia, whose body was found close to the cliff edge near Swanage last Saturday, 11 days after she went missing.

While people came to together at Swanage Amphitheatre in Prince Albert Gardens, the backdrop of Swanage Bay delivered a fitting rainbow in the distance.

After a welcome speech to all in attendance thanking them for their devoted support and warmth to those close to Gaia, members of her family and her closest friends all delivered emotive readings sharing their dearest and most treasured memories of the 19-year-old.

This included passages from Gaia’s father Richard Sutherland, her mother Natasha Pope, sister Clara Pope and cousin Marienna Pope-Wiedemann.

“Gaia was like a sister to me since she was a baby,” Marienna said.

“Since the start of her life she shone fiercely, defiantly different and wise beyond her years.

“She was full of life and laughter even in hard times which she met with courage and dignity. She wore her heart on her sleeve and always encouraged me to be brave even when I didn’t want to be.”

“It breaks my heart to think how much she still had to give the world which she was determined to change for the better. She was a powerful young woman and it was well within her reach.”

Following each reading, the speakers lit a candle in front of a floral display and picture of Gaia.

A minute’s silence was beautifully observed by all after the speeches.

Those in attendance were then invited to light one of the many candles around the display and pay their respects as a playlist of some of Gaia's favourite music was played.