Touching tribute to Southport attack victims revealed to classmates for first time

A playground built in memory of two little girls killed in the Southport attack was unveiled to their classmates as they returned to school today. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, were both students of Churchtown Primary School in the seaside town.

Now their names are inscribed in heart-shaped plaques to remind their school friends of the happy memories they shared before their lives were cruelly stolen. Alice and Bebe were killed alongside Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in the horrific knife attack on a children's dance class in July last year.

Alice's parents launched plans for the memorial playground, and her dad Sergio Aguiar completed the London Marathon to help raise funds with school staff. They smashed their £250,000 target, raising over £370,000 meaning they could donate the excess funds to several charities.

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And as the youngsters returned today for the new school year they laid eyes on their new playground for the first time. An inscription on a shelter reads "In memory of Alice and Bebe, forever in our hearts" and another plaque says "Rooted in kindness, growing through hope".

As well as a new football pitch and climbing frames and other equipment, the play area boasts a stage complete with sound and light equipment, in honour of both girls' passion for performance. A cycle track has been installed in the early years playground, where Bebe first learned how to ride a bike.

Headteacher Jinnie Payne, who ran the London Marathon alongside Sergio, said: "I'm delighted that after months of hard work and determination we have made the Churchtown playground a reality.

"Our children are going to love what has been achieved with the playground, which will serve as a lasting legacy for Alice and Bebe for generations to come. We couldn't be more pleased with the end result and would like to thank everyone in Southport and beyond for their amazing contributions to make the playground possible."

The investment has also seen the creation of a new library and murals on the playground walls, painted by local artist Tony Wynne. One artwork features bees, butterflies and flowers behind a wooden den erected in memory of Bebe. While another artwork, inspired by the children in Alice's class, features the handprints of every pupil as petals of a flower.

Jack Snowdon, director of estates and operations for the Endeavour Learning Trust, which runs the school, said: "The whole space is an active memorial. It's a beautiful space of remembrance."

He said he thought there would be some "shock and surprise" when the children arrived. He added: "I think we'll see a lot of smiling faces and I think they'll just be really excited to get out there and explore the environment."