'Be brave, be joyful and be kind'

ROYAL COUPLE'S MESSAGE TO CHILDREN DURING MOVING VISIT TO SOUTHPORT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS

- By BEN HASLAM

THE Prince and Princess of Wales returned to Merseyside yesterday as they paid tribute to the three schoolgirls who were killed in the Southport attack last year.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King have all been remembered in different ways throughout the town, but as the months have gone by, both Prince William and Princess Kate have kept in touch with the bereaved families.

As the royals arrived at Churchtown Primary School, where they donated money towards the new £250,000 playground built in memory of six-year-old Bebe and nine-year-old Alice, they met in private with the girls’ parents before greeting pupils and teachers from the school.

Addressing the school in the newly built playground, stood next to Princess Kate and headteacher Jinnie Payne, Prince William said: “The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.

“But last year, Sergio and Alex, you told us you wanted to create a special playground in memory of the girls, and here we are.

“Your vision and your determination, supported by Jinnie, the Trust and people’s generosity, has made this hope a reality.

“This playground is a symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive place for the pupils of this school - a symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy.

“Many lives were changed on that terrible day - including countless members of this school community.

“Bebe, Alice and Elsie’s friends and classmates have come together to support each other and remember the girls in their own way.”