A cherry tree has been planted at West Hatch High School in memory of a former student who died in a road collision earlier this year.

The parents of Mandeep Padda - who was known as Mandy - have also donated a memorial bench which has been placed near the school’s Sixth Form block and a special trophy to be presented each year for creativity in upper school studies.

Mandy, 20, was involved in a collision on Epping New Road last February.

Mandy, a former A-level student at the High Road school, attended the school from 2005 until 2011.

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.

“Mandy was a kind, thoughtful and considerate student who had a great sense of humour. She was popular and, as a school prefect, contributed much to the life at West Hatch.”

Her family said: “Mandy was a very precious person - loving and caring at all times - thinking of others before herself.”

They said the bench, tree and trophy would ensure that Mandy would always be remembered at West Hatch.

A short outdoor memorial service which reflected Mandy’s love of colour and travel was held at the school today (Wednesday, September 17) and - was led by Rev Ian Monks, curate at St Paul’s Church, Woodford Bridge.

The service was followed by a reception in the school library where cakes and pastries were served, reflecting Mandy’s sweet tooth and love of desserts.

Several pieces of her art work were also on display.

PICTURE CAPTION

Mandy’s family and friends at the memorial bench which has been placed near the school’s Sixth Form block