Bebe was the best.We'd look at each other and know what the other was thinking

Elsie was one of a kind. She was born special. It was a real honour to be her mum

- PHIL CARDY

PARENTS of two of the little girls murdered at a dance class in Southport have paid an emotional tribute to their "angels".

Speaking for the first time about the tragedy, the parents of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, recalled the events of July 29.

Elsie's mum Jenni, 35, said of her daughter: "Everyone says it, don't they, that they're one of a kind? But she truly was.

"It was an honour to be her mum. Sometimes I think people are born special and I genuinely believe she was.

"Everything she did was pure enthusiasm. It could be the most boring thing like David taking the bins out, and it was like, 'I'll come!" She was grateful for life."

Elsie's dad David, 36, added: "On a school day you would have to drag her out of bed. But on a Saturday, she was up at 6.30am, and it was like, 'Morning Mummy, morning Daddy'".

Bebe's mother who cannot be named due to a court order - said: "I literally just think they're angels. Bebe operated on such a high frequency. She had this innate kindness. She had a spark.

"She was hilarious. She would do impressions. She would try stupid accents. Even when she was a baby she would have me belly laughing.

EXCITED

"She would come out with the most random stuff. She would do it and look at you and laugh as if to say, 'I'm dead funny, aren't I? She would give you this hug and say, 'I love you, Momma'.