THE former school of shooting victim Anthony Rigby is considering a permanent memorial in his honour.

Anthony, 18, lost his fight for life on Friday night four days after he was shot in the head at his Swift Close home, in the Larkhill area of Blackburn.

Police have charged a teenager with attempted murder and are still deciding whether or not to issue further charges.

Natalie Cannon, headteacher of Beardwood High School, where Anthony and his two sisters Paula and Maria were pupils, today pledged to keep his memory alive.

She said: "Everybody at the school is just totally traumatised by what happened.

"Anthony was a well behaved, and well brought up boy who had respect for both his family and the people in school, teachers and pupils.

"He was very considerate and very well liked.

"Both his sisters went to this school, and Anthony came from a very caring family.

"We have spoken to his mother last week, and sent flowers to the home. His mother is devastated. We all are."

The photograph of Anthony issued by the police was taken from the school's end-of-year book in his final year.

Underneath the picture Anthony described what the school meant to him. It read: "I have enjoyed my five years at Beardwood and hope to see many of the pupils at college." Mrs Cannon said: "We have a memorial trophy for past pupils who have died tragically, and we are looking to see what we can do to remember Anthony.

"At this stage it is too early and we would like to talk to his family again. Anthony was a lovely lad and this is an absolute tragedy."

Anthony was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after he was found by a relative at his home.

He was transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital, where he died on Friday. His family are thought to have been by his bedside.

Mark Peter Harrington, 19, of St James Road, Blackburn, appeared before Blackburn Magistrates on Thursday charged with attempted murder and possession of an Olympic .38 handgun.

He is due to appear at Preston Crown Court in June.