The mother of a teenager brutally murdered last August has paid a heartfelt tribute to her daughter at a concert in held in her memory.

Ros Hodgkiss is the mother of Alice Gross, from Hanwell, who was killed by convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns after going missing last summer.

Latvian Zalkalns, 41, is believed to have killed Alice and dumped her body in the canal before committing suicide.

Some audience members at the concert on Tuesday night (July 21), at the Ambassadors Theatre, were moved to tears as Ros described her gifted daughter’s musical talent.

Alice sang, composed songs and played several instruments. There was a poignant moment when her song Don’t Let It Go Away was performed by singer Jodie Steele.

Speaking of Alice’s passion for music, she said: "Music was part of Alice's soul and with it she charmed and gave gaiety to life and to everything.

"Alice struggled with an eating disorder, an expression of the difficulties she experienced as a teenager. But she would have got through it. Music gave her the chance to express her demons and I know that in time she would have expelled them.

"The loss of Alice shocked us from our certainties, made us aware that there is no eternity, there is only now.

"Alice shone brightly, though briefly, like sunlight on water."

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She spoke candidly about how the family were coping: "It is almost a year now since the hideous events of last summer and the truth is, it doesn't get any easier to deal with our loss."

Ms Hodgkiss also told the audience about her fundraising efforts, in particular about Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund, established by the family after Alice’s death to support the work of Youth Music, a national charity providing music-making opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people.

Speaking of the fund, she said: "We have chosen Youth Music in tribute to Alice and in recognition of the power of music to change lives. Youth Music supports young people in challenging circumstances."

The concert’s producer Oliver Boito, co-founder of Forecast Academy, a performing arts school in Camberwell attended by Alice, said: "From her time attending Forecast Academy, I knew Alice to be a hugely talented musician, singer and composer.

"It was hard not to be moved to tears when Jodie Steele sang Don’t Let It Go Away tonight which showed how talented Alice was at song writing.

"I wanted to stage this concert to pay tribute to Alice and her musicality, as well as raising money for Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund.

"Knowing the kind of compassionate person she was, I feel Alice would have been pleased to know that her music inspired us all to help other children."

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Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths said: “I’m sure all of us here tonight will feel that in the face of such a horrific tragedy, Ros and her family deserve our huge admiration and thanks for establishing Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund.

"As you may know, this fund supports Youth Music in our efforts to create the kind of music-making opportunities Alice had for disadvantaged children and young people across the country who would otherwise miss out.

"Ros’ continuing fundraising efforts are an inspiration to us all and with the fund having now raised over £31,000, she is by far our most successful community fundraiser to date.”

Addressing Alice's mum directly, he said: “Ros, it’s a tribute to you and your family that you can all think about the needs of other children at such a difficult time. We cannot express our gratitude enough.”

MOBO award-winning singer Laura Mvula and Youth Music Ambassador said: "It's been really special to hear Alice's mum talk tonight about her daughter's musical talent and how the family are coping. I hope tonight was a fitting tribute to Alice's own musical potential.

"I truly admire Alice's family for choosing to support Youth Music's work and in doing so helping to create a legacy of music opportunities for young people who would otherwise not have access to them. I feel privileged to have taken part."

Donations can be made to Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund online.