TEENAGERS at a Hagley school are leaving a lasting tribute to a friend whose life was cut tragically short.

A group of pupils at Hagley Catholic High School have created a memorial garden for their classmate Victoria Price, aged 13, who died in 2009 while she was receiving chemotherapy and bone marrow treatment.

Despite living with almost constant pain caused by juvenile arthritis, brave Victoria, known a V, was a popular student who excelled in science.

She dedicated her life to fundraising and raising awareness of arthritis in young people and her work won praise from TV adventurer Ben Fogle, who her described as inspirational.

Victoria's mother, Julie Price, said: "V had a supportive group of friends who constantly amaze us with the efforts they go to so that V is not forgotten, it makes us all so proud to be associated with such a beautiful caring group of youngsters.

"She was a truly inspirational young lady who has clearly left many happy memories in the lives she touched."

The group raised £350 to create the garden which features fruit trees, including Victoria plumbs, shrubs, a bench and a lavender-lined path.

Woodrow Nursery in Chaddesley Corbett and Cookes Garden Centre in Stourport also supported the project.

Julie Price said: "What is so heart warming is that nearly three years after V died so many of her friends still think about her."

She also paid tribute to staff at the Brake Lane school for their help in creating the garden and their continued support since her daughter's death.