Classmates of Melanie Kogelbauer, who died in July 2007 following a three-year fight against the illness, spent several months working on the project – a collection of her favourite things immortalised in a mosaic.

Mr Kogelbauer said: “It's absolutely stunning – it's amazing..... I cannot think of a better signature than this".

Sister Jasmin, who has just started year 8, said: “The mosaic is wonderful, everyone can remember Melanie as a wonderful person.”

Kim Porrelli led the project, which started over the Summer holidays in 2008 when the design was finalized and the drawing out began. Making the mosaic began in September and continued until the following Spring, during lunchtimes, an after school club and several weekend sessions where parents, friends and siblings could join in. In total over 300 people were involved in the project.

The mural, which is filled with images and words with personal significance to Melanie, was suggested by her best friend Senni Whitaker.

Senni designed the part of the mosaic with the words “I'll be looking at the moon but I'll be seeing you”, which comes from a Billie Holiday song the pair loved. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXLB32n6lq8

www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/4638175.Mural_celebrating_schoolgirl_s_life_unveiled/