From her first day in the classroom, Hannah Evans loved school and now her school has paid tribute to her by naming a music room in her memory.

The 16-year-old, a prefect at Thomas Aveling School, Rochester, died in November after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Speaking at the unveiling of the plaque last week, her father Trevor Evans said: “From day one she absolutely adored school, she just couldn’t get enough of it.

“When she was little, one Saturday she got up and got dressed to go to school. She got upset when we told her that she couldn’t go because it was Saturday.

“We never saw her do homework but she would go straight to the library after school, even when she was failing she’d still keep trying.”

Older sister Kelly, 29, said: “She’d always try to prove you wrong. When she got a boyfriend mum said don’t let this get in the way of your exams, and she didn’t. She managed to balance boyfriend, exams and friends.”

Hannah had friends of all ages including her neighbours in St Williams Way, Rochester, Jenny and Alan Davey.

Mrs Davey, 60, said: “She adopted us. On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day she would pop round and say here’s a present. She used to help me walk the dog, and everyone knew her because of the dogs.”

It was only after Hannah passed away her family realised just how many people she knew and how many lives she’d touched.

Mr Evans, 52, said: “We just sat there looking on Facebook and we couldn’t believe how many people Hannah actually knew. We knew she was popular but there were hundreds of people paying tribute to her.

“She was one of the funniest people I’ve had the pleasure to know. If you had a world full of people like Hannah you would be living in heaven.”

Her parents first knew Hannah was ill on November 5 when her boyfriend, Connor Putland, rang to say she had been sick.

“She was one of the funniest people I’ve had the pleasure to know. If you had a world full of people like Hannah you would be living in heaven" - dad Trevor

When she got home, her dad asked if she had a stiff neck or a rash, which are symptoms of meningitis , but Hannah didn’t.

When Mr Evans left for work in the morning, Hannah was cuddled up on the sofa with her mum Lynette, 53.

He said: “The last thing I said to her was “You look rough” and she said “Thanks Dad”.”

Hannah was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital and placed in an induced coma but five days later, she died.

Hannah’s memorial at the school was a touching tribute to the talented, charismatic teenager.

The occasion brought back fond memories of the 16-year-old as pupils, teachers, friends and family gathered at the school for the unveiling of a plaque naming the music room after her.

Designed in her favourite colour turquoise and referenced her love of music and lipstick, was a poignant reminder of how her memory will live on at the school.

At the memorial, Mr Evans played one of his daughter’s favourite songs and Hannah’s friend, Scott Bassett, 16, performed the song Colourblind which they used to sing together.

Head teacher Paul Jackson said: “Families are not set up to say goodbye to their children.

“I have been amazed with the dignity with which the parents have coped with this, but also the support Hannah’s friends have offered to each other as well as to the family in those difficult times.”

Hannah was a member of Victory House which is supporting Meningitis Now as its chosen charity.