A VILLAGE church has been inundated with floral and written tributes to tragic 11-year-old meningitis victim Connie Denton.The Great Cornard Middle School pupil has been told she will be “missed but never forgotten” by her fellow pupils after she was struck down with the killer disease over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Russell Claydon

A VILLAGE church has been inundated with floral and written tributes to tragic 11-year-old meningitis victim Connie Denton.

The Great Cornard Middle School pupil has been told she will be “missed but never forgotten” by her fellow pupils after she was struck down with the killer disease over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Friends, family and villagers who knew the bubbly and caring year six pupil have been expressing their grief at St Andrews Church in Great Cornard, which has remained open every day since her death.

As the community struggles to come to terms with her sudden loss candle vigils have been held as well as a memory book setup and an area set to lay flowers.

Amongst the flood of messages which have been written in the church is a drawing of an angel with the caption: “Connie is with the angels now. Kiki.”

Another tribute reads: “To Connie, the dearest friend anyone could ever meet. I miss you so much. You will always be in my heart. Skye x.”

Many heartfelt tributes have also been left at the East Anglian Daily Times website.

Hannah Moore posted: “Connie was my bestest friend in the whole wide world and always will be, because when I needed someone to talk to she was always willing to help. I will miss her very much as will everybody, my family and I send all our love to Gill, Glenn and little Jack lots of love Hannah, John, Claire, Lucy and James.”

Another read: “Connie you were the nicest of all girls, you were never mean never causing trouble. I will miss you for ever more and you will always be in my heart. ALWAYS REMEMBERED, ALWAYS IN MY HEART, GIVING YOU ALL I GOT xxxxxx love you always Aliciaxxxxxxx.”

The Meningitis Trust has written to the EADT to say their thoughts are with Connie's family.

Amy Greengrass, their Suffolk community development officer, urged people to be on their guard for the symptoms of the killer disease.

She said: “Recognising the symptoms can be difficult as many of its symptoms are similar to more common illnesses like the flu.

“The rash that is commonly associated with meningitis doesn't appear in all cases, so it is vital that people are aware of the other symptoms. Symptoms can appear together and some may not appear at all. They include fever (possibly with cold hands and feet), headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion. In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis. If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.”

She added they produce and distribute free credit card sized symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses. To request one, call their freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28 or visit www.meningitis-trust.org.