This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-30423517
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
School minibus crash: Maesteg pupils' tribute to Ashley Talbot | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Classmates of a 15-year-old pupil who died following a minibus crash at a school have paid tribute to their "good friend". | |
Ashley Daniel Talbot was struck by a minibus, which was on its way to a rugby game, at Maesteg Comprehensive School in Bridgend county. | |
Another pupil, 13, was injured and police are investigating the incident. | |
Headteacher Anne Carhart said counsellors were offering support to pupils. | |
Ashley's classmates wrote a touching tribute which was read out by Keith Edwards, chair of governors at the school, on Thursday. | |
They paid tribute to his "bubbly" and "infectious" personality and said the gap that Ashley leaves can never be filled. | |
South Wales Police officers were at the school to speak to witnesses before lessons began on Thursday. | |
The school said it was co-operating with the police investigation and the Health and Safety Executive had been informed. | |
Ms Carhart said the tragedy had rocked the school, and a crisis team of counsellors, educational psychologists and youth workers were helping pupils. | |
In a statement, she said: "The loss of a pupil is always a sad affair, but especially so when it involves such sudden and tragic circumstances. | |
"Ashley Talbot was a popular child with lots of friends. | |
"Maesteg Comprehensive School has always been a strong, close-knit community, and pupils, teachers, staff and governors are all supporting one another in the wake of yesterday's tragic accident. | |
"As ever, the welfare and well-being of our pupils remains our primary concern, and a range of support services have been put in place to ensure that their needs are being met." | |
Mr Edwards said a member of staff was driving the minibus and was heading for a rugby match when the crash happened. | |
Calling the incident a "deep tragedy", MP for Ogmore Huw Irranca-Davies said on Thursday it was "doubly tragic that someone so young has been snatched away". | Calling the incident a "deep tragedy", MP for Ogmore Huw Irranca-Davies said on Thursday it was "doubly tragic that someone so young has been snatched away". |
He added: "It's hard to imagine the deep grieving of the family of this young man. It's going to take a lot to get through this." | He added: "It's hard to imagine the deep grieving of the family of this young man. It's going to take a lot to get through this." |
Director of education for Bridgend council, Deborah McMillan said: "We're going to try and make the day as normal as possible but also provide some space for children who need some time out." | |
Ashley's family are being supported by specially trained officers, police said. | |
Statement from classmates: | |
"The gap that Ashley leaves can never be filled. Every morning Ashley would make us smile; his bubbly personality was infectious. | |
"Ashley was so carefree and would always make us laugh. He was always good company and such a good friend to everyone who knew him. | |
"He was passionate about his motorbike and fixing cars. Ashley always looked for the good in everyone. | |
"He will always be in our hearts. He will never be forgotten." |