A CHORLEYWOOD school flew its flag at half mast this week in tribute to a popular, ambitious pupil who was killed in a car accident.

Pupils kept a candle alight in St Clement Danes School all week as a mark of respect for Livia Galli-Atkinson who died on Monday last week.

The 16-year-old, of The Coppice, Enfield, was struck by a car which mounted the pavement near her home at 7.20pm on Monday, January 12.

News of the accident devastated the school community and friends attempted to come to terms with their loss at the funeral on Tuesday.

Sixty of her year group, including the choir and orchestra, attended the service at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George in Enfield.

Speaking at the church, which was full to capacity, one of her friends Oliver Kristian said: "She was a young, unique individual with her own personal style that inspired everyone who knew her.

"She was petite, pretty, courageous and loving - we will never forget her."

Another classmate, Frances Hill, said: "Livia's strength of character and vivid personality is so powerful that she will never leave us. We all love Livia."

Although from out of the area, Livia decided she wanted to attend the Chorleywood school at the age of 11.

Her mother, Giulietta, 50, a course co-ordinator at Guy's Hospital, made the 54-mile round trip to take and pick up her daughter each day.

At one stage she also collected her other daughter, Bianca, 19, who was a member of the sixth form.

Livia's father, George, 51, a chartered engineer, described his daughter as very loving, caring and loyal.

She was predicted top GCSE results and wanted to become a barrister. As well as her academic prowess, she was a keen horse-rider and loved ballet.

Mrs Galli-Atkinson said she and her family were supporting each other in their grief, but added: "I panic when I think of her because I see her coming down the corridor.

"She was my little friend, we spent so much time travelling together, and she was just beginning her little life."

Special thanks was given to St Clement Danes School pupils and staff who had shown such sympathy and support.

A police spokesman said no arrests had been made in connection in the accident, but enquiries were continuing.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.