Parents' day to remember daughter

Stephanie loved parties, said her father Paul

The parents of a girl killed in a gas explosion in Plymouth have organised a charity event to celebrate what would have been her 10th birthday.

Stephanie Hammacott, nine, died in the explosion on her way to school on 8 January.

Her parents, Paul and Carol, have organised a party and auction in aid of a bereavement charity.

Mrs Hammacott said: "We're trying to do this event to be positive in her memory."

No prosecution

Mr Hammacott said: "She always loved parties, so we thought we could invite a lot of her school friends so they can come and enjoy the fun."

The event is taking place in Plymouth on Saturday.

Any money raised will go to the Jeremiah's Journey charity.

Stephanie was buried under rubble after a gas main fractured, ripping apart a house as she was passing by with her mother on her way to school.

Last month the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution.

An inquest has yet to be held.

Mrs Hammacott explained that it was important to remain positive for the sake of Stephanie's two sisters.

"Whatever you do you have two heads, you have to do stuff for the other girls, you've got to go on day trips, you've got to survive," she said.

"And then the other side of your head is saying: 'No, why should you? Steph can't do it no more.'"