Sarah's memorial unveiled

Students at Brinsbury College helped make the memorial

A memorial for murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne has been unveiled on the third anniversary of her disappearance.

Sarah's grandparents unveiled the copper plaque fixed to a tree in front of the field where the eight-year-old's body was found in Pulborough, West Sussex, after a 16-day search.

Students from nearby Brinsbury College helped make the memorial which is to include a poem about Sarah by Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill who was in charge of the murder investigation.

A photograph of Sarah will also be included in the plaque when it is eventually finished.

People had left flowers and toys at the spot on the A29 where Sarah's body was found and West Sussex County Council was criticised for removing them following accidents caused when drivers slowed down to have a look.

Sarah's parents were not at the ceremony but her grandmother Lesley Payne, told the BBC: "We really appreciate what people have done in the past but it causes disruption when people drive past and stop and look."

A request has been made for people to stop leaving items at the spot because it would detract from the memorial.

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