Memorial for murdered Sarah

Sarah Payne went missing while playing near Littlehampton

A memorial is to be set up for murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne as the third anniversary of her death approaches.

A plaque will be fixed to a tree in front of the field on the A29 near Pulborough in West Sussex where the eight-year-old's body was found after a 16-day search.

The memorial, which is being made by students from nearby Brinsbury College, will be put up in time for the anniversary of Sarah's abduction on 1 July.

The decision to place the plaque came after discussions between Sarah's grandparents, Lesley and Terry Payne, and West Sussex County Council.

It will be a permanent but discreet reminder for those people who wish to continue to pay their respects

Lesley and Terry Payne

Since Sarah's death many people have left toys at the side of the road but the council had to remove them on occasions because of the hazard to motorists who slowed down as they passed the scene.

The toys have also become bedraggled and it was thought there was a better way of remembering Sarah, who went missing while playing near her grandparents home near Littlehampton.

In a statement, Lesley and Terry Payne said: "In the three years since Sarah's tragic death we have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by people at this spot through the toys and flowers that have been left there.

People have continued to leave toys near where Sarah was found

"However, we feel this plaque will be far more appropriate memorial to her and we would like to thank everybody who has been involved in making it.

"It will be a permanent but discreet reminder for those people who wish to continue to pay their respects."

A request was made by Sarah's grandparents for people to stop placing gifts at the spot because it would detract from the memorial.

Some of the cost of the plaque will be met by the British Safety House Association, a volunteer organisation set up following the abduction and murder of Sarah, the aim of which is to provide emergency places of safety for children in distress.

Roy Whiting was convicted of abducting and murdering Sarah Payne in December 2001.