Friends wore her favourite colour and a new school hall was named in her honour two years after a schoolgirl collapsed and died during a game of rounders.

Classmates wore purple in memory of Nicola Payne, from Horsmonden, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the lessons at the High Weald Academy in Angley Road, Cranbrook, in April 2012.

Pop star and ambassador for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) Pixie Lott, who also sang for students beforehand on Tuesday, performed the opening ceremony for the £1.2m hall, which also has purple doors, to remember the popular teenager.

The specialist sports college in Angley Road had aspired for some time to build the new facility, but following Nicola’s tragic death, managers decided to dedicate it to her.

Robert Jackson, principal, said: “Over the past 12 months we have seen the sports hall develop brick by brick and we are so pleased to be able to officially open the new hall and give the students at High Weald the very best opportunities in physical education.

“The opening day signifies important developments in the academy’s facilities, but also a fantastic cause that has touched so many staff and pupils.”

Following Pixie’s performance, Nicola’s mother, Roz, who attended with her two other daughters Charlotte and Emily, was presented with a bouquet, before the opening.

Pixie added: “Sudden Cardiac Death affects too many – seemingly invincible – young people. It is vital that we continue to spread awareness of the issue and the importance of health checks for people of all ages.”

The building was paid for through a successful bid to the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund.