MORE than £12,000 has been raised in less than a week to create a beautiful garden "fit for a princess" in memory of Emily Jones, who died at the age of just seven-years-old after being attacked by a knife in a popular Bolton park.

Emily's school Markland Hill Primary School started a fundraising page just five days ago to create a memorial garden in the youngster's name so she will always be part of the school community.

A target of £10,000 was set and to date £12,090 has been raised, with more than 600 people having donated.

The school is also appealing for garden designers and suppliers to get in touch to help create a beautiful garden.

Emily was with her dad, enjoying a Mother's Day ride on her scooter when she was fatally stabbed in Queens Park last month in an unprovoked attack.

In a statement, posted on the website, the school said: "The death of little Emily has devastated her family, friends, staff and everybody

who met her.

"Nobody can imagine the pain her family are going through and we would like to 'do the right thing' for Emily by creating a beautiful and special memorial for our beautiful and special Emily."

"We are therefore looking for any kind hearted garden suppliers, garden designers, wood/joinery experts, art suppliers etc to create a memorial garden in her memory.

"We envisage benches, pots, raised beds, wind chimes, scented plants with lots of sensory items.

"If you are able to help in any way or wish to donate towards this project we would be extremely grateful.

"We want to make this memorial garden fit for a princess!"

The school described Emily as a ray of sunshine who was "fun, friendly and a loving little girl" who was popular within the school, with her death leaving a "hole in our hearts".

Posting on the crowdfunding site, the school said: "We want to make this memorial garden so that Emily is always part of our school community."

Those who can help should email office@markland-hill.bolton.sch.uk with their offers of help or items that could potentially be supplied.

The fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marklandhillprimaryschoolemily