An inquest into the death of schoolgirl Gemma Clarke was set to be opened and adjourned at Wells Town Hall as this paper went to press (Thursday).

Her body was found by a passer-by at a roadside in West Lambrook on Thursday last week.

She was last seen when leaving the Nags Head in Martock, where she worked as part-time catering assistant, at 10.30pm the night before.

Her mother reported her as missing on Thursday morning when she realised that Gemma had not made it home after leaving the Nags Head.

Shortly afterwards, a woman riding a horse discovered the body at West Lambrook.

Police launched a murder inquiry, led by DCI Arthur Lewis, last Friday and put about 50 officers on the case.

Gemma's body was formally identified on the same day, confirming what many people had feared.

It was also revealed that she had been stabbed to death.

Gemma, aged 16, was a pupil at Stanchester Community School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, where headteacher Glyn Ottery issued a statement saying: "Gemma was a much loved and popular girl at this school. She had a wide circle of friends. She had a bubbly personality and was often the one who supported others in their time of need.

"It has been very difficult today for all at Stanchester not knowing, but fearing the worst. Students and staff at the school are finding it difficult to come to terms with this tragic incident."

A man was arrested in London's Regent Street later that Friday in connection with the murder.

He was subsequently charged with the murder and appeared before Yeovil magistrates this Monday, where he was identified as Darren Cornelius, 33, of Lambrook Road, Shepton Beauchamp.

Mr Cornelius, who worked at the Nags Head, was remanded in custody and will appear at Bristol Crown Court on March 12th.

Police are appealing to anyone with information/observations relating to the case to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or contact their nearest police station.