THE family of Barry teenager Alesha O’Connor have had a bench installed in her memory at the college where she studied.

The 17-year-old died in a tragic accident in March last year, on the A470 in Brecon.

Her family were present as the memorial bench was blessed at St David’s College, in Cardiff, on Saturday.

Her mum, Sharon, said: “Alesha would have been so proud of all involved as it was always in her heart to help others whether it would be a bird with a damaged wing or a friend in need - Alesha was always there. Alesha shared her love between family, friends or anyone needing help or support. She would be the first to volunteer.

“Our family are struggling to go on without Alesha.

"Our family as we knew it, before that night in March 2015, will never be the same. We are only hoping Alesha’s absence from our lives will become less painful in time and we find comfort in the beautiful 17 years we had with Alesha and all the fun times.”

College principal, Mark Leighfield said it was an honour and a privilege to have Alesha’s bench in the college grounds as she had inspired so many in her time spent there.

Hundreds of people turned out for Miss O’Connor’s funeral at St Helens RC church in Barry, while St David’s College also intend to create a memorial garden for the former St Richard Gwyn pupil, along with other students who have died prematurely.

Miss O'Connor's boyfriend Rhodri Miller, 17, and friend Corey Price, 17, both also died in the crash.

Grandmother Margaret Elizabeth Challis, 68, was also killed.

The O’Connor family held a fundraising day on August 20 to assist with funding the garden.

Miss O'Connor's dad, Paul, said the day had been a huge success with family, friends, and local businesses generously donating raffle prizes and time.

Her auntie, Lynne Baldock, said the whole family had been overwhelming kindness and generosity that had been given to them all and they wanted to say thank you.

“Our thoughts are also with the families of Rhodri Miller and Corey Price and Margaret Challis who also sadly lost their lives on that horrendous night," she added.

Champion boxer Lee Selby has donated his last fight t-shirt and a signed glove to the cause. Both will be auctioned at a later date.

Others who donated included King William, known also as The Billy, public house, Mossfords (Hugh), LDS Motor Factors, New Look, Asda, Hillary West, Lloyds pharmacy, Cexet, Wilko, BT, Hair by Micki, Food For Thought, Holton Road Fishing Tackle, Roys Toys, Byron Scott, and Ilpadrino’s barbers.