THE death of their beautiful daughter shattered forever the hearts of David and Mary Murgatroyd and shocked a community to its roots.

By the family and friends who loved her, the teachers who taught her, and colleagues who worked with her, Janet Murgatroyd has been consistently described as a radiant, bright and caring girl who had a passion for life.

She was also described as very independent and confident.

Tragically it was while the independent Janet was walking alone to her mother's home in Broad Oak Green, Penwortham, in the early hours of June 15, that she met her killer.

Janet was an only child of Mary and David Murgatroyd, a former chirman of Chorley Football Club, who are now divorced.

She was born on September 8, 1975 and loved her early school days at St Wilfrid's RC Primary School, before it closed, and later at All Hallows School in Penwortham.

When she died the children at her former schools said prayers for her.

Michael Flynn, her former headmaster said: "The school was in mourning for the lovely girl who was so full of fun and full of the joys of life."

A church-going girl, Janet was a member of the congregation of St Teresa's RC Church in Penwortham.

A member of the congregation who knew her described her as being "well known and liked".

At the time of her death, Janet was a first-year law student at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston with a bright professional future ahead of her.

She had also been happily making final arrangements to go back-packing around Europe with a student friend Fiona Watson.

Christopher Carr, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire where she had passed her law degree exams with flying colours said she was set for a very successful career.

And as a part-time clerk with Lancashire Constabulary at Hutton Janet was described as being industrious and hard-working.

Karen Hives, her former boss said: "I remember a very energetic and confident lady."

Poignantly in the afternoon of that fateful day, June 15, Janet walked into St Wilfrid's Church in Chapel Street, Preston to light a candle -- a symbol of hope.

Mum Mary said at the time: "Janet is in my thoughts every day."

THE RIBBLE: It was along a stretch of the river at Preston that Janet's body was found