A PUPIL at a York school who was killed in a road accident is to have a trust fund to reward academic excellence established in her memory.

Lydia's Foundation Fund will offer an annual prize to remember 12-year-old Lydia Purcell, who was an outstanding student at All Saints' School.

Lydia, of Swinton, died in Leeds General Infirmary on March 9, after she was in collision with a pick-up truck while crossing the B1257 Malton to Hovingham road at Flowery Bank, Broughton.

Her parents have set up the fund in her memory, to honour pupils at All Saints' who succeed in their schoolwork.

Lydia had recently been nominated for membership of the National Academy Of Gifted and Talented Youth, which encourages the top five per cent of able young people in the country. She excelled particularly in music and mathematics, though no decision has yet been made on which subject her fund will offer prizes for.

In a joint statement, Bill Scriven and Helen Bickley, head teacher and deputy head at All Saints', said the school was still reeling from the loss of such a "gifted, kind and gentle person".

They said: "She enjoyed and thrived on the challenge of learning and was an excellent all-rounder.

"She had a very bright future ahead and everything to live for. She will be deeply missed by so many people whose lives were enriched by knowing her."

Ms Bickley also said school representatives would be attending Lydia's funeral tomorrow, and that pupils had asked to establish a garden of remembrance for Lydia on school grounds.

Updated: 11:23 Thursday, March 18, 2004