The mother of a schoolgirl who died of meningitis last month thanked pupils and teachers for their support when she visited her class yesterday.

Jackie Williams, mother of 12-year-old Kyomie who died at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital on November 10, met her daughter's year eight class mates at Cheney School in Headington.

Mrs Williams, 46, who was there with her 21-year-old son Gavin, spoke to the class about the loss of her daughter and was given DVDs and pictures of Kyomie as a memento.

She said: "It is very kind, all the things you did for Kyomie.

"It's really hard for me to talk about Kyomie because she was a very bright girl.

"She was strong, she was always doing some activity and she meant the world to me.

"I'm sure you are all going to miss her in this group.

"She had a lot of friends at the school and it was very nice of all those who turned up at the funeral.

"There were also a lot of beautiful flowers and you are all welcome to go up to the graveside if you want to."

Members of Kyomie's class, who all had the chance to talk to Mrs Williams privately, had made a video of their memories of their friend.

Form tutor Sally McIlveen said: "The video is really lovely.

"They have all spoken of their memories and as soon as they open their mouths to talk about Kyomie they break into a smile.

"They have finished the whole thing off with an adaptation of We will rock you, singing 'We will, we will miss you'."

Mrs Williams was also presented with an Oxford United football shirt signed by the women's team.

Rachel Jackson, PE teacher and achievement coordinator for year eight, said: "Oxford United coaches came to the school and did some training for the girls football and Kyomie was part of that.

"The coaches saw the report of her death and all the women's team signed the shirt, which will be framed."

Mrs McIlveen also gave Mrs Williams a video of Kyomie when she had taken part in a dance workshop during the school's Africa week; a number of photos; and mementos which the class had put together.

There were also pictures of a memorial tree which had been made by members of forest conservation project, a group that Kyomie had been part of before her death.