THE memory of Sian O’Callaghan was honoured by people across the town this weekend.

A one minute silence was held before Swindon Town’s game against Hartlepool at the County Ground on Saturday and dog walkers also stepped out to pay their respects on Sunday.

The 22-year-old, was last seen leaving Suju nightclub, in Old Town, shortly before 3am on March 19. Her body was discovered in Uffington, Oxfordshire, the following Thursday.

Fans and players bowed their heads for a minute’s reflection before the match and later a statement from the family was read out over the tannoy on their behalf.

It said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks for the support from the whole community of Swindon, which has been overwhelming and has helped us through such a difficult time.

“In the days ahead we can rely on your continued support and respect for Sian and our privacy.

“Sian herself would be truly moved beyond words at the response and outpouring of love from everyone.”

Yesterday morning, dog owners and their pets got together at Lydiard Park for a memorial walk. The event was organised by 43-year-old Kathy Lovegrove, of Walcot.

“I have heard from everybody that she was a lovely girl, I didn’t know her but I thought it would be nice to do something for her,” she said. Among the group was Mick Thorpe, 58, of Park South, who is the caretaker at Constructor, in Dorcan, where Sian also worked.

“She was so outgoing and always had a smile on her face. She didn’t seem to let things get her down,” he said.

“The news hit everyone in the office hard. When they found the body it was so sad.”

On Friday night an estimated 300 people, many wearing T-shirts with Sian’s face emblazoned on them, turned out for a memorial walk in Old Town. The procession was led by friend Dean Mayo, who set up a Facebook group organising the event.

“A lot of people in Swindon were asking for something like this to be done as a last send off for Sian in the best possible way,” he said.

“The way the community has come together has been absolutely amazing.”

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into Sian’s death and a coroner said she probably died of head injuries.

Christopher Halliwell, 47, has been charged with Sian’s murder and is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court, via videolink, on Friday.