Jo Yeates described as 'model student'

As the family of murdered landscape architect Joanna Yeates prepare for her funeral, her university tutor has paid tribute to her, saying "she was destined for great things".

The ceremony to commemorate the life of the 25-year-old will be held later at St Mark's Church in Ampfield, Hampshire - the village where she grew up and where her parents, David and Theresa, still live.

Jo worked as a landscape architect at the Bristol office of design firm BDP, alongside her boyfriend Greg Reardon, 27.

David Booth, postgraduate programme director, landscape and environment, University of Gloucestershire, said: "The university community has been deeply saddened by thedy of Joanna's death and our heartfelt condolences are with her family and friends.

"Jo was one of those students who you can tell would be destined for great things and it almost goes without saying that she graduated at the end of her studies in July 2010 with a distinction from her postgraduate diploma.''

About 100 family members and friends are expected to attend the service.

Miss Yeates disappeared on Friday December 17 after going for Christmas drinks with colleagues.

Mr Reardon reported her missing after he returned to Bristol on December 19 following a weekend away visiting family in Sheffield.

Her frozen body was found dumped on a verge in Longwood Lane, Failand, North Somerset, on Christmas Day, three miles from her home in Canynge Road, Clifton, Bristol.

Miss Yeates's next-door neighbour Vincent Tabak, 32, has been charged with her murder.

The Dutch engineer, who works at Buro Happold in Bath, is to stand trial in October.