A cherry tree has been planted on the grounds of a High School in memory of a former student who was killed in a road collision earier this year.

Former West Hatch High School student, Mandeep Padda, 20, known as 'Mandy', died at the Royal London Hospital on February 26 following an accident in Epping New Road.

The Chigwell school introduced the new tree, along with a memorial bench and trophy donated by Ms Padda's parents, at an outdoor memorial service, led by Rev Ian Monks, curate at St Paul’s Church, Woodford Bridge, yesterday.

Ms Padda's parents have placed the memorial bench near the school’s Sixth Form block.

The trophy will  be presented each year to one student for creativity in upper school studies.

Staff at the school said that the memorabillia would ensure that Mandy would be remembered at West Hatch.

Headteacher Frances Howarth said: “Mandy was a very gifted and talented art student. She was a pleasure to teach.

"She had very creative ideas and the technical ability to produce outstanding work.

“She was popular and as a school prefect, contributed much to the life at West Hatch.”