THE head of Kingdown says it is 'a school in mourning' following the tragic deaths last week of pupils Jackson Watters and his sister Millie Crouch.

Jackson, 17, and 12-year-old Millie died last Monday while driving home from the Warminster School on the A36 to Stoford.

Flowers, messages, gifts and books of condolence have been placed under an Atlantic Cedar tree in the grounds and on Monday the school held a minute's silence while a bugle played Amazing Grace.

"We are a school in mourning," said headteacher Sara Edwards. "It has been an incredibly difficult and desperately sad week for us all.

"The pupils, who have been amazing despite being shattered by this tragic news, have put together some wonderful tributes to two very special people.

"They were so lovely, very popular and much loved pupils, that were really well respected. Not only were they great pupils, they were great kids with fantastic personality and character.

"We have a beautiful tree that has been covered with flowers and tributes. It has been the focal point of the school and has been incredibly moving.

"Jackson's favourite colour was purple and that colour has featured heavily on the tree. He was also known to drink Pepsi, so cans of the drink have been placed there along with teddy bears and photos of the two of them.

"The family have been in once or twice to see the tributes. We are 100 per cent there to support the family and we are there to remember two special pupils."

The Year 13 and Year 8 pupils died at the scene after the Ford Fiesta Jackson was driving was in a collision with a Mercedes Sprinter van. An inquest into their deaths was opened and adjourned on Monday.

Despite their grief, the school went ahead with the planned three performances of the musical Fame last week, with director Phil Partington reading a tribute to Jackson and Millie before a minute's silence each night.

A minute's silence has also preceded each sports match the school has played since the accident on October 10.

"We are planning more tributes for Jackson and Millie. We are looking to set up a gift giving page as a lot of the community want to donate to their family," added the headteacher.

"I am sure we will do further tributes. They had everything you need to do well at school, and in life, in abundance."

Pupils and staff from the school are expected to attend Jackson and Millie's funeral, which will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday (October 26) at 2.30pm.