Parents of Southport attack victims at school playground opening

The parents of Bebe and Alice, who were killed in the Southport attack last year, were invited to view a new playground at the school their children attended, built in their memory

Pupils at the school attended by two of the girls who died in the Southport attacks are returning to their primary school after the summer holidays to a new playground created in their memory.

Alice Aguiar, aged nine and six-year-old Bebe King, who were killed in July last year, went to Churchtown Primary School in Southport from the age of three. Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe also died in the attack.

Alice's dad Sergio and the school's headteacher, Jinnie Payne, ran the London Marathon in April to raise funds to transform the ageing play area.

Elsie's dad, David Stancombe, also ran in the marathon in memory of his daughter.

More than 13,000 people donated money towards the Churchtown playground appeal.

Their target of £250,000 was reached in a month and construction work was carried out over the summer break. It was completed in time for the start of the school's new academic year.

Bebe and Alice's families were invited to see the transformed playground. It includes a new stage area, an adventure zone, and an indoor and outdoor library, reflecting Alice and Bebe's shared love of books, creativity, and performing.

The games area was revamped, and art works and murals are on display around the playground.

Alice's classmates love the rebuilt play area.

Ellie said: "It's so special, it means so much to us all."

Caitlyn said: "When I first came in, I was astonished. I loved it, I felt like screaming. It was a really good feeling.

"I love the stage, it was where Alice would have shone, and that's where she would have gone to most."

The new stage area reflects Alice and Bebe's shared love of performing

Ben King, Bebe's dad, said it was overwhelming to see the work.

He said: "It is just incredible; it is going to be amazing for the school and for the children. They are going to absolutely love it."

Bebe's mother Lauren King told BBC News it was bittersweet to see the play area.

"It is really special. It is lovely how they have honoured Bebe. It is a forever journey for all of us and just to have that little bit of hope and a way to honour the girls. I think it's just perfect."

Alice's father Sergio said the playground looked "100%"' better than he imagined and was amazing.

He said: "I imagine she is here and running around and jumping everywhere.

"I am really happy but at the same time it is hard because we know Alice isn't going to be here, she isn't going to enjoy the playground, but her friends are."

The two sets of parents did not know each other before the attacks.

Alexandra Aguiar said it was wonderful to work together to create the new space.

Headteacher Mrs Payne, said: "After months of hard work and determination we have made the playground a reality. It 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."

More than 13,000 people donated to the fundraiser for the playground