A SPONSORED walk to raise money to buy a headstone for a 13-year-old girl who died in a swimming pool last year will take place at the weekend.

Anne-Marie Readshaw, from Ferryhill, died while swimming with friends at Spennymoor Leisure Centre last September.

It is believed she suffered an epileptic fit while in the water.

Her aunt, Gillian Bowmer, and a friend, Julie O'Neill, have organised a sponsored walk from Ferryhill on Sunday.

Scores of people have signed up for the event, which will involve a walk to Kirk Merrington and back.

Among the people taking part is Anne-Marie's father, Ian, and her sister, Catherine, who has leukaemia.

The headstone the family wants to erect will cost £900 and the walkers are hoping to raise at least £500.

Mrs Bowmer said: "Me and Julie were talking at work and we wondered if we could do a sponsored event.

"We phoned the council to get permission and since then it has been unbelievable the response we have got.

"Anne-Marie's dad, Ian will be pushing Catherine in her wheelchair, and there will be lots of us taking part."

Pupils from Anne-Marie's school, St John's RC Comprehensive School, Bishop Auckland, will also be supporting the event.

The walkers will meet at The Post Boy pub, Ferryhill, on Sunday, at 2pm.

Anyone is welcome to join the walk. Sponsor forms are available from Gillian Bowmer on (01740) 656037.