FAMILY and friends yesterday remembered a popular North-East student who died two years ago in a skydiving accident.

Sue Westwood, 23, died in June 2001 when one of her legs became entangled in the parachute cords as she left the aircraft.

A fellow skydiver, Dr Joshua Burrill, sensed something was wrong and jumped after her but was unable to reach her.

She managed to release her reserve parachute at about 200ft but was too close to the ground.

Miss Westwood was with friends from Leeds University on a parachuting holiday in south-west France.

Yesterday, a 6ft floral mural was unveiled at the university in memory of the mechanical engineering research student.

The bright colours of the mural were chosen to reflect Miss Westwood's "bright and vivacious personality", said her friend, Dr Louise Jennings, with whom she shared an office.

Dr Jennings said ten people had created the floral design over the past two years.

"Sue was a really creative person, she was always making things. She very popular and had a lot of friends."

Yesterday's visitors included Miss Westwood's parents, Michael and Joan, of Billingham, Teesside, and her brothers.

The university was represented by Professor John Fisher, of the mechanical engineering department.

The mural decorates a wall in the activity and resource centre in the student union building.

Last week, a coroner in Middlesbrough recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Following the inquest Miss Westwood's research scientist father paid tribute to his daughter. "Sue was fantastic. She was just the best," he said.