STUDENT Sophie Skelton's cheerful and helpful outlook has won her the Sunshine Cup, awarded in memory 16-year-old Kelsey Murphy.

Kelsey died in December 2005 in a car crash at Hartsdown Road, near Margate cricket club and Tivoli woods.

Her college friends, who constructed a roadside shrine that remained as a memorial for months on the cricket club railings and gates and in the grounds, decided with Kelsey's mum that a trophy tribute to reflect her lively and friendly personality is an appropriate way to remember their classmate.

Sixth former Sophie Skelton, 16, was awarded the trophy at the recent annual Hartsdown Technology College awards evening at Margate Winter Gardens.

She was nominated because "she is always happy, ready to help out, has boundless energy and enthusiasm, smiling and always willing to listen to others".

Principal Andrew Somers said: "Sophie is an excellent choice as recipient of The Sunshine Award. The trophy embodies the community spirit that there is at our college and is an important way for Kelsey’s friends and family to see her spirit live on."