A COMMEMORATIVE tree may be planted in memory of a seven-year-old girl killed after skateboarding into the path of a neighbour's car.

Shocked teachers at the infants school where Kristina Jacobs was a pupil are now discussing how to remember the popular Spice Girls fan, described as a fun-loving tomboy.

Kristina was playing on the driveway of her home with her brother, Charlie, nine, and a friend, Mark Stanton, eight, when she lost control of her skateboard and rolled into the road.

She was hit by a Mercedes car, being driven by neighbour Bernadette Wetherill, 40.

Kristina suffered massive head injuries and was treated at the intensive care unit at the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells for four hours. But she died later from her injuries.

Pupils at Whitehill Infants School in Crowborough were told of the news in class.

Head teacher Lesley Stevens said: "We are going to lay a memorial to Kristina, but it must be something appropriate that the younger children can look at.

"We have not made a final decision yet, but planting a tree is certainly one possibility.

"Because the children are so young, I do not thinksome fully understand what has happened. I know they feel something is wrong. After school, one said 'It has been a very sad day'.

"We have tried to explain that Kristina will not be in class tomorrow, or ever again.

"For the staff, it is very devastating and upsetting. It is a great shock to us all."

Kristina's mother, Julie, 39, a former nurse, spoke about her daughter.

She said: "It's just like a bad dream. Kristina was so full of life. I just cannot believe what has happened.

"I just feel so sorry for the driver of the car. She must be devastated by what has happened."

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