Tributes have been paid to a schoolgirl who died aged just 11 as her classmates and family ensure her memory lives on.

Bolton School pupil Anastasia Costello died from complications following a Covid diagnosis last year.

Anastasia had just started at the school and was in her first term in Year Seven.

Since the tragedy, her parents Wayne and Edina set up a legacy project in their much loved daughter’s name, called Anastasia Days which will give the opportunity to children between the ages of six and 16 and their families to have a day out and make memories, particularly those who have suffered illness, abuse, bereavement, or other significant trauma.

Paying tribute to his daughter, Wayne told The Bolton News: "We have lots of happy memories of Anastasia.

 “You don’t know what’s around the corner and memories are the most important thing we have.”

He said his daughter was “quite quiet and well mannered but with a well developed and devious sense of humour”.

Wayne said: “She was very active, sporty and into dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Academically, she was a good student,” he added.

Wayne said the family were so proud of their Anastasia achievements including getting into the leading school.

He added that they “genuinely appreciates” the support the school has offered them, both emotionally and now by backing Anastasia Days, which Wayne says, “gives our small charity real credibility”.

Anastasia lived in Atherton with her parents and older brother and sister. She died while her mum was pregnant with her baby sister.

‘Anastasia is very much in our memories. She was a happy, popular member of our school and her peers knew her to be kind, spirited and lots of fun. She had been a talented sportswoman who enjoyed lacrosse, hockey and netball. She had many friends and I think this will prove a popular charity for our pupils to raise funds for,' said Lynne Kyle, head of the girls’ division.

The Bolton News: Pupils remember Anastasia Costello Pupils remember Anastasia Costello (Image: Bolton School)

Year 10 girls Sophia Wormald, Claudia Williams, Amelia Pope and Lucy Hunter, said they are aiming to raise more than £1,000 for the charity while remembering Anastasia and celebrating the ‘happy times she had in school’ ‘We very much want to support the charity and the wonderful work they are doing in their daughter’s name. Year 10 are determined to make a success of their Christmas charity event and are putting in a lot of hours of planning!’ said head of year, Rachel Langley.

Visit anastasia-days.co.uk to find out more about the charity.