CLASSMATES and teachers of a popular six-year-old who died after being hit by a car on her way to school have created a special garden in her memory.

Tragic Lily Davis's mum Jenna Hatfield, 25, and grandma Tess Laird, 42, made an emotional visit to see the garden at Stocks Lane Primary School in Clayton Heights, Bradford.

The six-year-old, of Beacon Place, Wibsey, suffered fatal injuries on June 12 last year when she was in an accident with a 4x4 in Beacon Road. She had been crossing the road to see her grandfather before school when it happened.

The youngster was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary but doctors were unable to save her. Mourners at her funeral at St Michael and All Angels Church in Shelf wore her favourite colour pink.

At the centre of Lily's garden near to the school's entrance is a small statue of a little girl reading a book. There are some planted shrubs and lillies will go in school, said Headteacher Nicky Kilvington.

She said: "A plaque in the garden describes Lily as our special friend. She was such a vibrant, happy little girl. She had a smile that would just light up your day. We are a very small school with just 105 children and four classes so her death affected everyone. It was such a tragedy.

"A lot of thought has gone into the garden, it's something the children and the staff wanted to do. They wanted to do something to make sure Lily would always be remembered. We've got some lillies ready to go in soon and it's a project we can develop every year."

Mrs Kilvington added the school was keeping in contact with Lily's family to help them through their loss.

She said: "We will always be open to them whenever they want to come and visit. I hope we can help bring them some comfort. Lily was very happy here."

Lily's grandma Mrs Laird said: "The garden is a beautiful tribute, it means a lot to us. The school has been wonderful. It's beautiful to see the garden but it's heartbreaking too because it shouldn't have to be be there. We should still have Lily with us.

"I can't put in to words the terrible loss we feel. It has affected the whole family, all of us in different ways - it is like after tremors. We are a big family but it has wrecked us, totally ruined us. Lily was just perfect, she was so special. She brought the sun out wherever she went. She is our eternal angel now. She will never be forgotten."

* Joanne Rothery, 33, of Beldon Road, Buttershaw, who has pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Lily Davis by careless driving, is due to re-appear at Bradford Crown Court next month.