Memorial to murdered backpacker

Kirsty Jones was murdered in the Thai city of Chiang Mai

A memorial to a student backpacker from Powys who was murdered in Thailand has been erected at her old school.

Kirsty Jones, who was 23, was killed at a backpackers' hostel in Chiang Mai in the north of the country on 10 August last year.

Her killer has never been found.

Now fellow pupils, friends and family have created a special memorial to Kirsty.

Kirsty Jones was on a round-the-world trip

The ceramic sculpture has been erected in the grounds of Gwernyfed High School and depicts elements of Kirsty's life.

It highlights her experiences at school and university and it also includes poems and memories written by her close friends and her family.

Assistant head Geraint Hughes said: "This sculpture has brought Kirsty's family and friends together to celebrate her life.

"It is a lovely piece of work which pupils can enjoy and it will ensure that Kirsty is always remembered."

Sixth former Jo Rodell Jones said the statue depicted a pair of Dr Marten boots and globe which represented Kirsty and her travelling.

She was at the start of a two year backpacking tour when she was murdered.

The sculpture at Gwernyfed High School

"It is really striking," said Jo.

Pauline Patterson and Helen Jones of South Wales Potters worked with the school to make the sculpture.

Staff have organised fundraising events to set up a travel bursary for pupils in memory of Kirsty and her passion for travel.

Kirsty attended Liverpoool University before travelling to Thailand last summer.

A British man was arrested for her rape and murder but later released after two-and-a-half months in custody.

The murder investigation by Thai police has been criticised as slipshod to amateurish.

The original chief investigator was takenoff the case and the regional police chief who was in charge of the investigation then retired.

Police originally took DNA tests from 14 suspects but none of them matched samples found on Ms Jones's body.