Family will remember schoolgirl

Nikki Conroy died 10 years ago

The family of a 12-year-old girl who was stabbed to death in her classroom are preparing to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

Nikki Conroy died when she was stabbed by a man at Hall Garth School, in Middlesbrough, on 28 March 1994.

A memorial garden was created at the school and will open on Sunday to mark the anniversary.

Nikki's parents Peter and Diane say they think about her all the time and the day is still a vivid memory.

Her killer was later convicted of her manslaughter.

Mr and Mrs Conroy said Nikki was the "perfect" daughter and was friendly and outgoing with a "wicked sense of humour".

Mr Conroy: "Even if it is only for a short time you look back on it and think how it has affected your lives.

The events of that day were extremely traumatic for those of use who were there in the midst of it Peter Smith, former Hall Garth School headteacher

"I could actually go through the day almost minute by minute of what happened after Nikki left the house to go to school. It's as vivid 10 years on as it actually was on the day."

Mrs Conroy said: "There is always sometime during the day that you will think of something on that day."

They said they had had been helped by the support from the school and had kept in touch.

Peter Smith was headteacher at Hall Garth when Nikki died. He is going to be in Middlesbrough on Sunday to mark the anniversary.

He said: "The events of that day were extremely traumatic for those of use who were there in the midst of it.

"I think the strength of Peter and Di, I envy that strength, I'm not sure I would have had it in the same circumstances."