Vigil held in memory of Victoria

Victoria Climbie suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of her carers

A candlelit vigil is due to take place in north London on Friday in memory of Victoria Climbie who died five years ago from abuse and malnourishment.

The vigil will take place at St Michael's Church in Wood Green.

Victoria was murdered by her great-aunt Marie Therese Kouao and partner Carl Manning in Tottenham, in February 2000. Both were jailed for life.

A message will be read out at the vigil from her her parents, Francis and Berthe, who are in the Ivory Coast.

'Dignity and strength'

The Victoria Climbie Charitable Trust will announce that it is more than two-thirds of the way towards raising the funds needed to build a primary school in Victoria's memory in her hometown in Abobo, Ivory Coast.

It will also launch an appeal for public support for the school.

Victoria's soul will help to ensure that the tragedy that took her from us does not happen again in this country Francis and Berthe Climbie

Community leaders, David Lammy MP and Sheila Peacock, Mayor of Haringey, are also due to attend the vigil.

Speaking before the vigil, Mr Lammy said: "Since Victoria's tragic death, I have met with Francis and Berthe Climbié on several occasions.

"Their dignity and strength through the past five years is reflected in their genuine desire to mark Victoria's tragically short life by building a school in her memory for the benefit of her whole community."

The message from Victoria's parents reads: "Victoria's soul will help to ensure that the tragedy that took her from us does not happen again in this country.

"Her soul will help to protect all children who are badly treated in the world. "

Two Haringey social workers were subsequently sacked for gross misconduct.