COMMUNITIES are ‘pulling together’ in the wake of the tragic death of 14-year-old Nell Jones earlier this week.

St Luke’s Church in Goostrey was filled last night for a vigil in memory of the Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School student, who was one of 22 victims of Monday’s Manchester Arena attack.

This evening, Friday, more will gather at Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre from 7pm ahead of a ‘Walk for Manchester’, pausing briefly at the tribute to Nell outside the front of the school.

Denis Oliver, HCCS headteacher, said: “The school community is really pulling together this week, and this is the community outside the school pulling together as well.

“There was a prayer vigil last night, and it was an opportunity for candles to be lit and thoughts and prayers written.

“Nell’s family could not be there because they are trying to grieve in private, but the feeling of support was absolutely clear by the fact that the church was full and messages relayed outside.

“It’s the community coming together.”

Fellow students, school staff, parents and members of the community gathered at the church on Thursday to remember Nell and support her family.

Michelle Henderson said: “I personally would just like to say how very proud we should all be of the students of HCCS this week. I've been at the school a few times and last night at St Luke's and they have been a credit to the school and our village.

"They have behaved with compassion, kindness and nothing but respect.”

Tonight’s ‘Walk for Manchester’ will set off from the leisure centre car park in Selkirk Drive at 7pm, stopping at the memorial area before turning left onto Chester Road and towards the village.

Knutsford Guardian:

The procession will then pass the church before looping back to the car park.

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