THE parents of a New Forest teenager who was found hanged have spoken of their hope that some good may come of her death.

Rosemary Edwards, 15, was found dead by walkers in the Forest on Sunday, three weeks after walking out of the family home.

Her parents David and Jennifer told the BBC that the tragedy showed the importance of good communication with children.

Mrs Edwards said: "If any good can come out of it then maybe it's that other teenagers could feel easier about talking to their parents or friends."

She added that she did not want the tragedy to become a "focal point" for their lives.

Mr Edwards told how he had blamed himself for Rosemary's disappearance because he had told her he was disappointed in her for lying.

He said: "I thought it was me that tipped her over the edge but we certainly never blamed each other, which could tear the family apart.

"The whole family feels that she had 15 wonderful years and she has probably done more in her life than most adults did in their whole lives.

"And we will just remember her as a happy, jolly, ray of sunshine that she was."

Mrs Edwards had gone to Rosemary's bedroom in the family home at Dibden Purlieu to find her missing.

She had walked out after a family argument, without taking her phone or money.

Mrs Edwards said it had been very helpful for the family to visit the spot where Rosemary was found.

"All four of us thought it was a weight that had been lifted and it is something I would recommend if it should happen to others," she said.

"They should visit the place of death... I don't know why it helped."