A SPECIAL service was held on Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of a talented schoolgirl in a road accident near the town.

The service was led by parish priest Father Tim Bywater, of St Leonard & St Mary’s RC Church, who had conducted Lydia Purcell’s funeral. Music written by Kirkbymoorside composer Graham Lyons for the funeral was played at Sunday’s Mass by Lydia’s mother, Julie, (oboe), Sandy Anderson (bassoon) and Hannah Poole (flute). Lydia was only12 when she was hit by a pickup vehicle on the B1257 at Flowery Bank, Broughton. She died in Leeds General Infirmary on March 9, 2004.

Lydia was a student at All Saints School, York, after attending St Mary’s RC Primary School, in Malton. She was described as a gifted girl and an excellent all-rounder.

A trust fund was set up in her name to provide an award for All Saints students who excel academically and musically. Lydia excelled in maths and music and also danced at the Kirkham Henry Performing Arts, in Malton, where an award for improvisation was created in her name.

Lydia lived in Swinton with her mother, who is joint director of music at Terrington Hall Preparatory School, brother Elliott and sister Mia. She had been nominated for membership of the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth.

•l Earlier this year, the church marked the 10th anniversary of the death of parishioner Joanna Rookes, who was hit by a car and killed in Newbiggin in Malton, while unloading cases from her car.