A tree planting ceremony was held at the school of tragic Leonie Shaw today on what would have been her seventh birthday.

Family and friends of the youngster, who died in April after being hit by a car near her home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, gathered for the service.

A flowering cherry tree was planted at St Andrew's Primary School, in South Church, as a lasting tribute to the popular little girl.

On the day of the accident Leonie, known affectionately as Lollie, had been at a play park with friends and was crossing the A688 when she was hit by the car.

She was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital with head, leg and internal injuries but died a few hours later with her mother, Michelle Aldworth, at her bedside.

Yesterday, Leonie's 170 school friends lined the playing field as head teacher Dave Hutchinson read two prayers before her mum and Alex Clements, chair of the school's governors, planted the tree. Among the tearful onlookers were Leonie's two sisters, Jade, ten, and three-year-old Emily.

Mr Hutchinson said: "We look upon this school as one large family, so when we loose a child we all feel the pain.

"It was important for us to share our feelings and show our memories of Leonie will live on forever, the tree is symbolic of that.

"She was such a bonny, radiant child who brought a lot of joy to the people who knew and loved her.

"The service was very tough emotionally but her family have said how pleased they are that the school marked the occasion in this way.

"It is our way of showing that we will never forget her."

Also unveiled during the ceremony were two benches.

One was in memory of Leonie, the other for former pupil five-year-old Neza Price who died in a road accident on Boxing Day, 1999.

Mr Clements said: "The tragic loss of two children has been an incredible blow to the school but neither will ever be forgotten. "I can only hope we never feel such grief again."

Colin Meek, of Salvin Street, Spennymoor, is charged with causing Leonie's death by dangerous driving and will appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 5.

Meek's girlfriend, Emma Jane Lee, was in the Rover car during the collision and, on May 17, was jailed for two months for her part in what took place.