A memorial fund has been launched for a little girl who died after being crushed by sand.

The family of Abbie Livingstone-Nurse have been overwhelmed by messages of support and goodwill since the tragedy earlier this month.

Her stepfather Ian Sayer and mother Pippa plan to install a memorial bench on the beach where the three-year-old died.

They also want to give a donation to the air ambulance service which tried to help the youngster.

Speaking from the family home in Goring, Mr Sayer said: "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and letters we have had from so many people, including all those who don't know us.

"We would like to thank each and every single person who has contacted us and would like them to know we are deeply grateful for their support in what is such a difficult time.

"Some people have asked whether they can contribute to a memorial fund in Abbie's name and so this is why we have decided to set one up.

"We want to have a bench on the beach where she died because it is such a beautiful place and she was so happy there.

"The air ambulance people also did so much to try to help and we want to support them as well. They rely on donations to keep going so we want to help.

"The funeral directors who are organising the fund for us will let us know the names of all those who have contributed to it so it will not be an impersonal thing.

"As a family we are having good hours and bad hours but the support we have had has been a real help to us."

Abbie, whose funeral is on Thursday, suffocated when the walls of the 5ft sandpit she had been digging with her brother Joe, five, collapsed on them.

The family had been on a summer holiday in Devon for a week before travelling to Hayle, Cornwall, where the tragedy happened.

Mr Sayer, 40, a teacher, fought to dig both children out from under the weight of the wet sand with his bare hands while Mrs Livingstone, 33, ran for help.

He managed to pull out Joe but Abbie was buried deeper and she could not be reached in time.

Lifeguards and members of the public rushed to help but the sand was too heavy and despite attempts at resuscitation the youngster died.

Abbie was described as fearless, happy and loved by her family, who said she had a huge heart.

Cheques for the fund, made payable to HD Tribe Limited, should be sent to 259 Goring Road, Goring, West Sussex, BN12 4PA.