School planning open-air Mass in memory of popular teenager

The special service for Kelly Taylor is being planned for St Philip Howard Catholic High School for the end of term next week.

It is being arranged by headteacher David Todd for all students and staff.

The occasion will end the school year on a sombre note for those involved with the Elm Grove South school.

Mr Todd said: "Kelly was a very popular student, full of life and spirit. As she walked around school, she always had a ready smile.

"Dealing with grief and bereavement is always difficult but the death of one so young, with such potential and who died so suddenly, is such a dreadful shock to us all.

"We can only imagine what her family is going through and offer our support."

Kelly (17) died just before 1am on July 8. She was driving a silver Fiat Punto along Mill Lane, Arundel, when the car left the road and ended up on an earth embankment.

Her passenger, Sian Clark (17) managed to escape with minor injuries and ran for help at the Black Rabbit pub half a mile away.

However, Kelly died at the scene. Many students from the school have laid flowers and lit candles there.

A short memorial service was also held at the school on Monday for Kelly's family and friends and fellow students.

The service was prepared by her close friends along with her tutor, Angela Stewart, and the school chaplain, Peter McGeady.

Kelly, of Crossbush near Arundel, had been a student at St Philip Howard for six years.

She had been successful in her GCSEs and was close to completing the first year of her A-level studies.

A vivacious, bright and warm young lady, she had a wide circle of friends who have been left devastated by her premature death.

Her fellow sixth-form students and staff gathered in the school chapel for prayers on the morning after her death.

They remained there afterwards, offering each other solace and lighting candles before a photo of Kelly in her 'prom' dress (pictured above) and quietly grieving.