CHILDHOOD friends of a teenage girl allegedly murdered in New Zealand are planning a memorial service for her in East Lancashire.

Still coming to terms with the news of 16-year-old Jane Young's death, her many pals back home in Burnley are anxious to pay their own tribute to the former Wellfield CE Primary School pupil.

And organisers of the memorial event have secured the blessing of the Young family as they arrange a celebration of Jane's life.

Jane and friend, Hannah Rossiter, were allegedly mown down by a car outside a party in Christchurch.

Factory worker Lipine Sila, 22, has been charged with the murders of Jane and Hannah.

The memorial service, as well as being open to Jane's friends, will also provide an opportunity for members of her family in England, who cannot make the trip to Christchurch for her funeral on Monday, to pay their last respects.

As well as sharing memories of Jane, who emigrated to Christchurch five years ago, hymns and readings will be given.

Her former headmaster will also pay tribute to her, and a local minister is being invited to lead prayers.

Tiffany Thomas, 17, from Ightenhill, who is organising the memorial, said that Jane's friends were shocked when they heard about her death.

Tiffany said: "She was always a very calm person who saw the good in people all the time.

"You never ever saw her without a smile on her face."

A date has not yet been confirmed for the memorial service, but it is likely to be held at their local primary school, Wellfield, at Ightenhill.

Jane, formerly of Padiham Road, Burnley, attended Wellfield and later Ivy Bank High School, before moving to New Zealand with mum and dad, Harry and Lorraine, and brothers Chris, 18, George, 15, and Alastair, 12.

Her father has already paid tribute to the number of cards and messages of condolence they had received from friends and well-wishers in East Lancashire.