A SCHOOL where a pupil was stabbed to death has been given a dedicated police guard nearly ten years after a killing that shocked the country.

Peter Conroy, father of 12-year-old victim Nikki, last night gave his approval for the move, which is part of the Safer Schools Project, a national Government initiative.

Working from an onsite office, part of PC Mark Wilkinson's remit is to keep the area around Hall Garth and neighbouring Kings Manor school, in Middlesbrough, safe from intruders. He took up his post yesterday.

In March 1994, Stephen Wilkinson burst into Nikki's maths class, fatally stabbing her and wounding several other children.

Mr Conroy said: "The police officer will be involved in the local area too, which I think is a really good idea, although it's a shame it has had to come this.

"But if it's going to make the children safer and he is going to meet with local people and find out what is going on in the area, it's good."

Mr Conroy and his wife, Diane, will mark the tenth anniversary of their daughter's death in five months time.

Richard Bain, headteacher of Hall Garth, said: "This is an exciting new development.

"Both schools are really pleased to be working so closely with the police and the local community.

"Our children will be safer and more secure and we will develop a stronger sense of citizenship and local pride.''

Wilkinson, of Caversham Road, Middlesbrough, was sent to a secure hospital for an indefinite period the year following Nikki's stabbing.

He denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility because of mental illness.

He also admitted the attempted murder of Nikki's friends and classmates, Michelle Reeve and Emma Winter.