Family and friends gathered to remember a 12-year-old Oxford girl on the first anniversary of her death from meningitis.

Jackie Williams and her family met at Wolvercote Cemetery on Saturday to pay tribute to her daughter Kyomie who died from the bacterial strain of the illness on November 10 last year.

Miss Williams, Kyomie's brother Gavin, 22, sister Terlisa, 25, and grandmother Doris, were joined by more than 20 friends and school pals of Kyomie, as they said a few words in her memory.

Miss Williams, 47, said: "It is really hard without Kyomie. The whole family is still suffering, the agony and pain is no easier.

"I don't think I would have coped half as well if it hadn't have been for the support of my family and friends.

"I miss her every day and every time I close my eyes I see her smiling face looking back at me."

After the memorial ceremony, mourners were invited back to Miss Williams's mother's home in Bernwood Road, Barton, Oxford, where they took some time to remember all the happy things about Kyomie.

Miss Williams, who lives in Oxford city centre, said: "Kyomie was so popular and I am really pleased that some of her friends attended.

"I have been crying for days in the lead-up to this ceremony. I have had pictures of Kyomie sat in front of me and every time I look at them my eyes well up with tears for her.

"It is so painful with her not being here. She was a beautiful girl and she had so much to give. Some days I just lay down in bed and can't get up because I miss her so much.

"The pain doesn't seem to be getting any easier for me."

Many people laid different types of wreaths and coloured flowers at the cemetery, off Banbury Road, during the gathering.

The bubbly and popular youngster died at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, on November 8, two days after being admitted with meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria.

The Year Eight pupil at The Cheney School, Headington - the youngest of three siblings - was taken ill after feeling sick and became unable to look at light.

She collapsed at home and was taken to hospital in an ambulance, but never recovered.