Pupils and staff pay tribute to Shrewsbury schoolgirl Olivia-Violet
Saving the planet was the theme of the day as classmates and teachers of Shrewsbury schoolgirl Olivia-Violet Reeves marked what would have been her 12th birthday.
Olivia-Violet was known for her love of animals and the environment. She had a knowledge of marine life well beyond her years and ambitions to become a marine biologist.
She died last June when she was hit by a drink-driver as she walked to catch the bus home from school.
In a fitting tribute to remember Olivia-Violet on her birthday, staff at her former school, St George's Junior School in Shrewsbury, organised a host of environmental activities as children were encouraged to do their bit for the causes she was so passionate about.
The day began with a special assembly led by headteacher Sharon Munro.
As they filed into the hall, each pupil was given an endangered sea turtle keyring, bought with the proceeds from a calendar Olivia-Violet's aunt, Amanda Reeves, had created in her memory.
"The calendar raised more than £700 and the family decided they wanted it to be spent on gifts for the children, to thank them for their bravery during the tragic events of last year," said Mrs Munro.
"The assembly encouraged them to remember Olivia and think of the environment. She knew she couldn't do it all on her own, but what we ask is that when they look at their keyring they think of what they can do to help."
Rev Tim Vasby-Burnie from St George's Church and Tracey Morgan, a family friend of Olivia-Violet's, also took part in the assembly.
Throughout the day the children learned about of the damage plastics can cause in the ocean, and how they can help to protect animals.
They were visited by Martha Penny, daughter of teaching assistant Wendy Penny, who told them about her fundraising Icing on the Cake challenge for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage near Nairobi.
Olivia-Violet had taken on a sponsored silence for the same charity last year.
To continue Olivia-Violet's legacy at the school, a new outdoor shelter will be built over the Easter holidays, funded by the school and PPTA.
A giant octopus bean bag will be housed in the shelter for children to enjoy.
Mrs Munro said: "Her St George's family will definitely keep her memory going.
"She was a unique child, someone who was going to make a big difference in the world."
