'She was so helpful' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

'She was so helpful'

Ref. 30013-40AMANDA'S first teacher, Val Walker, has described the moment she heard about the grim discovery.

Now retired, Miss Walker, 63, remembers the "helpful girl with a smiley face."

Miss Walker, who taught at St Mary's Primary between 1976 and 1995, said: "I had been away from Purton for a few days and heard the name on the radio. It rang a bell and then of course came the terrible news.

"This is the sort of thing that happens to other people in other places you never expect it in your own community.

"I really do not know how Purton will get over this."

Miss Walker said Amanda came from a loving family and was especially close to her big sister, Anek.

"Amanda and Anek, who was slightly older, would do everything together.

"Their mother often helped me in the classroom and accompanied us on school trips.

"Amanda was the quieter of the two but she was a lovely, happy, girl. I cannot remember ever having to tell her off for anything she was extremely helpful."