CHILDREN too young to understand the full horror of Leonie Shaw's death paid their poignant tributes in the only way they knew how, yesterday

Yards from the spot where the pretty, blonde six-year-old, known as Lolly, was left to die on Saturday night, youngsters left toys and flowers for the friend they called their "Little Angel".

To her sisters, Jade, 11, and Emily, two, she was, quite simply, the best sister they could have wished for.

Their message of love, written on a blue card, was one of dozens left by a procession of friends, relatives and mothers and fathers, for whom the tragedy was their own worst nightmare.

They arrived carrying carrier bags full of tributes, clutching tightly to the hands of their own precious little ones, as if they could not bear to let them go.

Over the road, in Leonie's school, prayers were said and children were given a few moments to quietly reflect on their memories of Leonie. For those who needed extra help, psychologists and educational welfare staff were on hand.

Headteacher David Hutchinson was coping with bereavement for the second time since he arrived at St Andrew's Primary five years ago.

Neza Price, aged four, died on Boxing Day, 1999, when the police car carrying his family crashed on the A68, near Witton Castle.

Yesterday at St Andrew's started with a short assembly for the 179 pupils. Mr Hutchinson said: "Everyone was very subdued. All the children and staff already knew. It has been a very quiet and sad time

"Some of the children were there when it happened and they were very upset. Everybody is thinking about poor Leonie and her family.

"She was a real little doll - a bonny little girl with natural blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes

"Her friends are very upset this morning. Some of the older ones realise she is not coming back, but the little ones don't understand because they are so young.

"Some headteachers don't have to experience this ever but this has happened twice in three years.

"I would urge this person to come forward as there's no benefit in dragging this on.

"It may bring some sense to all of this and hopefully end it for the family and for the school."

The school planted a cherry tree and put up a plaque in Neza's memory and plan to do the same for Leonie, possibly in July when she would have celebrated her seventh birthday.