FRIENDS and family of a Wirral teenager who tragically took her own life attended the unveiling of a special memorial plaque in a park she regularly visited.

They also launched Chinese Lanterns in tribute to Rachelle Owen during the ceremony in Ashton Park, West Kirby on Wednesday night.

Rachelle, a student at Hilbre High School Humanities College, died on April 17 after stepping in front of a train at the crossing on Drummond Road in Hoylake.

She was the daughter of Kay Diamond, who was murdered in February in a violent attack by partner Anthony Blye. He was jailed for life last month.

The idea for a memorial plaque, which is fixed to a bench in the park, came from Cheryl Connor, the mother of one of Rachelle's friends.

It is inscribed with the words "Our Angel. Always In Our Hearts. Loved and missed by many xx"

Cheryl was helped in her efforts to install a memorial by Christine Smith, from Wirral Council's parks and gardens department, West Wirral MP Margaret Greenwood and Martin Harrison, from community group Friends of Ashton Park.

She told the Globe: "When this tragedy happened, I just wanted to do something for Rachelle's friends. So I did a bit of fundraising through Justgiving and raised £300.

"So I went out and bought a bench; had the plaque done and got in touch with the council to ask about the possibility of installing a bench in what they call a 'sit-off' area.

"The council wouldn't accept the bench that I'd bought. So, my son got in touch with my MP, Margaret Greenwood to see what she could do.

"Thanks to help from Margaret, Christine and Martin, I was able to display the plaque on a bench that was already in the park.

"I'm so grateful to them for this. It means that it will be here for ever and will be a lasting memorial to 'our Angel' Rachelle.

"I only knew her through my son and she was lovely girl.

"They were all friends together, through school, and all had a laugh together.

"I just thought the memorial plaque was a lovely gesture.

"As her friends grow up and walk through the park with their own children it will give them great memories of their time with Rachelle."

Rachelle's grandmother Hilary Diamond told the Globe: "It's lovely, just to know that she's been remembered. She always came to the park as a child.

"I would like to to thank Cheryl, Christine and the Friends of Ashton Park, because without them this wouldn't have happened."

Rachelle's uncle, Steve Harrison, said: "It's nice that the family has closure now and will always have a special place to come and remember her."

Friend Tom Westaway Jones said: "We would all like to say thank you to Cheri Connor who organised such a good night and sorted out this beautiful bench for a beautiful girl"

And her friend Hannah Clague added: "Yet again another brilliant turn out for you Rach, I absolutely love our memory bench we've got for you it is gorgeous you would love it.

"See you one day love & miss you millions R.I.P"

Martin Harrison, from Friends of Ashton Park, said: "We were very happy to help Cheryl, because Rachelle often visited the park with her friends.

"We are happy to welcome her back into the park, following a very sad situation."

Christine Smith said: "Cheryl contacted me a couple of weeks ago and was looking for a place to have a memorial bench.

"We were lucky that we had a place that we could dedicate to Rachelle.

"I'm happy that we were able to do that, because I know that she came down here with her friends and it was a place that was important to them.

"It's in a fantastic spot and will be a really nice memorial for her friends and family."

An inquest into Rachelle’s death heard she had left her home at around 9pm on April 17 after telling her family she was going for a walk.

She then walked to Drummond Road, where she was struck by the West Kirby loop train at 9.30pm.

Liverpool Coroner Andre Rebello said he was satisfied Rachelle had taken her own life.