Pupils held a fundraising day in memory of a much-loved classmate exactly one year after her sudden death.

Hannah Evans, 16, a prefect at Thomas Aveling School, Rochester, died days after being diagnosed with meningitis.

The popular student was remembered as part of a special assembly at her former school in Arethusa Road.

Her friends organised a non-uniform day and a series or fundraising activities in aid of Meningitis Now. The sixth-formers sold wristbands and held a bucket collection – raising more than £300.

Head teacher Paul Jackson said: “Hannah’s loss is still quite raw in school and for the sixth form to support each other at the same time as raising money for such a worthy cause is great.”

The school will be holding another fundraising day for Meningitis Now in January, when all students and staff will be invited to wear lipstick for the day.

Mr Jackson added: “As many of our students know, Hannah will always be remembered for her love of bright lipstick, so this fundraising event is going to be very special indeed.”

Teacher Lorraine Job, director of learning for Victory House which Hannah was part of, said: “It was lovely to see staff and sixth formers having a dress down day in memory of Hannah. As it was on the anniversary of her death it was lovely way to remember such a lovely girl.”

Hannah, who lived in St William’s Way, Rochester, with her parents Trevor and Linette and older sister Kelly, was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital after falling ill.

She was placed in an induced coma but died five days later.