Pupils at a Leamington School are to create a garden in memory of a classmate who died in a car accident last year.

Louisa Smith, a sixth former at Kingsley School, and three friends were killed when their car went out of control and hit a tree at Marton almost a year ago

Now her classmates are to ensure her memory lives on in a specially created garden next to the sixth form centre at the school in Beauchamp Avenue.

Pupils are currently planning the garden and two local companies have agreed to lend their services to help create the oasis.

There will be four areas to the garden, one of which will be specially dedicated to Louisa's memory. It will include a water feature, plants that attract butterflies, and a work of art made up of sponsored brass tags.

DJL Construction is giving two workers to the school for a week to undertake the preparation work while Ballingers, the Leamington-based building supplies company, is lending the knowledge of its landscape expert and supplying the materials at a special rate.

Diane Smith, Louisa's mother, said the garden would be a fitting tribute to her daughter who was 18 when she died.

She said:

"I was quite astounded when I heard. It is a lovely gesture from everyone involved and we are looking forward to seeing it develop.

“The school has asked for my thoughts and they are going to incorporate several things which I mentioned, which is very pleasing.

"There has been talk of somehow incorporating a butterfly in the design which would be lovely. There were two Red Admirals in the church at Louisa's funeral and also a butterfly at a funeral of her friend Ben who died with her in the accident.

"My hope is that it is a long-standing garden which is easy to cope with and manage. We are very touched at the pupils' idea and it is pleasing that Louisa lives on in their thoughts."

Work will start early in the new year and will be completed in the spring.

Ann Greensmith, deputy head teacher, said the garden would not only be a tribute to Louisa but also improve the school.

She said:

"It is currently a neglected area and is ideal for the project. The girls are very enthusiastic and are looking forward to finalising the plans and seeing them turn into a real garden.

"We are very grateful to DJL Construction and Ballingers for their help and support."
  

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