HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a memorial service for a Hampshire student who died in a crowd surge outside a nightclub.

Talented sailor Olivia Burt, 20, of Milford on Sea, suffered head injuries in an incident outside the Missoula club in the centre of Durham last month.

The service - a celebration of her life - will be held at All Saints Church, Milford, next Monday at 2pm.

In a statement announcing the event Olivia's parents, Nigel and Paula, said: "Our beautiful and much-loved daughter was the light of our lives.

"She will be sadly missed by her parents and the many people whose lives she touched."

Olivia, a natural sciences student at Durham University, was on a night out with the friends when she was injured just before midnight on February 7.

She died at the scene despite being given emergency first aid by paramedics and a Missoula doorman.

Olivia learned to sail at Salterns Sailing Club in Lymington and later became a member of the Royal Yachting Association's junior and youth squads, competing in international championships in Denmark and the Netherlands.

She also represented Lymington Town Sailing Club and the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.

Professor David Held, master of University College, Durham, said: "She came to Durham with glowing references from her school, where she was regarded in the highest possible terms.

"She had an outstanding academic record and was an exceptional sportswoman.

"Olivia sailed for more than a decade, quickly finding her place in the university team. She became very active both in college life and the wider university.

"Those students close to her have lost a wonderful friend. The college has lost a bright and outstandingly able student."

Chris Atherton, senior high performance manager at the Hampshire-based Royal Yachting Association (RYA), also paid tribute.

Speaking shortly after her death he said; "The RYA is deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident.

"As a popular and committed sailor, Olivia exhibited all the drive, determination and good sportsmanship required to progress as a successful competitor."

An inquest into Olivia's death has been opened and adjourned in Durham.

Dr Leslie Hamilton, assistant coroner for Durham and Darlington, has set a provisional date for a pre-inquest review on July 18.

He said: "A detailed inquiry will carried out, which will involve Durham Constabulary and probably the Health and Safety Executive.

"When we have those reports we will set out a witness list and formally resume the inquest."