THE SKY above a Trowbridge primary school filled with balloons as classmates of four-year-old Jackie-Danielle Velvick reflected on her life.

About 300 balloons were released at Longmeadow Primary School on Saturday by Jackie-Danielle's elder brothers Jordan, nine, and Brandon, seven.

Teachers organised a family picnic in the grounds of the school so parents could meet the garden designer who is giving up her spare time to help create a lasting memorial to Jackie-Danielle.

Sally Hearn, from Wincanton, is designing and planning a memorial garden and will be given a book bursting with ideas and plans drawn up by Jackie-Danielle's friends and classmates.

The Wiltshire Times is joining forces with the school to fund a bench in memory of the schoolgirl.

In addition we are asking west Wiltshire companies to donate plants, building materials and equipment to help turn the garden into a reality.

When the final plans are drawn up we will publish a wish list of items needed to build the memorial as part of our Garden for Jackie-Danielle appeal.

Headteacher Maria Vinney said the balloon launch was a "spectacular tribute" to Jackie-Danielle, who died just a few days after Christmas following a 20ft fall from her brother's bedroom window.

"Against the blue sky it was an amazing sight, so it was a lovely way to remember Jackie," Mrs Vinney said.

Talking about the garden project, she said: "Sally is really enthusiastic and that is what we needed to get this garden started.

"She is doing it all voluntarily which is amazing and is very keen to talk to the children to find out what they want to see in the garden. It is good to see this taking shape." Steeple Ashton Primary School, which closed earlier this month, has already donated its playhouse.

If you can offer any help, equipment or materials for the Garden for Jackie-Danielle appeal, contact us on (01225) 352480. We will publish the garden plans and full list of materials when they are finalised over the coming months.