Locals close up shop in respect for Stephanie Scott

Leeton shops and businesses will close at 1pm, the time of Stephanie Scott's funeral, as a sign of respect for the young teacher believed to be murdered.

The much-loved teacher was allegedly killed by 24-year-old school cleaner Vincent Stanford during the NSW Easter school holidays, less than a week before her wedding to her childhood sweetheart.

Final preparations are being made for her funeral at the function centre in Eugowra, near Canowindra in the state's central west - where she was meant to get married.

It comes a day after students returned to Leeton High School for their first day back since the tragedy.

The school will remain open, although many locals are expected to make the three-hour drive to attend Wednesday's funeral.