Balloons and ribbons to remember our girls
TARLETON and Hesketh Bank have been covered in pink balloons and ribbons as a tribute to two local girls killed in the Manchester terror attack.
Members of the community decided to decorate their homes, businesses and street signs with the moving tributes.
The touching gesture has filled Tarleton and Hesketh Bank with colour as everyone comes together to show their support for the families of those killed.
Georgina Callander, 18, and Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, died when a bomb exploded in the foyer of Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert.
Hundreds of people gathered in Mark Square in Tarleton on Tuesday night to pay their respects to the girls.
The gathering was impeccable in observing two minutes’ silence for Saffie and Georgina, which was followed by a long round of applause.
Saffie, who was a pupil at Tarleton Community Primary, is believed to have been at the Ariana Grande show with her mum and older sister.
Georgina was a popular pupil at Runshaw Colllege and Bishop Rawstorne.
Saffie’s headmaster paid tribute to a “beautiful” little girl.
He said: “News of Saffie’s death in this appalling attack has come as a tremendous shock to all of us and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends.
“The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.
“Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly.
“Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.
“Our focus is now on helping pupils and staff cope with this shocking news and we have called in specialist support from Lancashire County Council to help us do that.
“We are a tight-knit school and wider community and will give each other the support that we need at this difficult time.”
Tributes to Georgina poured in online, with people from her former school remembering a wonderful pupil and friend.
Teacher Joanna Armitage said: “An amazing student who always had a beautiful smile on her face, worked so hard to achieve her full potential and is a true credit to her wonderful, supportive family.
“It was a blessing to have taught Georgina during her time at Bishops. This is heart breaking.”
Rebecca Johnson said: “We’ve known the Callanders from primary school - such a lovely family, and Georgina was a beautiful girl inside and out, always friendly and smiley.
“God bless you all and may Georgina rest in peace.”
Adam Platt said: “May she rest in peace. Lovely girl, she’ll be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.”