GRIEVING schoolchildren are being offered counselling after a 16-year-old girl was killed in an horrific road accident.

Youngsters at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School are mourning the death of Chloe Kozyra, a Year 11 pupil who was due to take her GCSE examinations this summer.

Chloe, from Over Peover, died as a result of her injuries suffered in a crash which also claimed the life of an 18-year-old Winsford man, near Middlewich, on Saturday, March 20.

Now staff at the school in Selkirk Drive have set up a support system of help and advice for grieving pupils, who have made a shrine to Chloe in the village's shopping precinct.

Headteacher Denis Oliver wrote to parents of pupils to inform them of the tragedy.

He said: 'Everyone at the school is shocked and deeply saddened. We are supporting each other as much as possible through this difficult time.

'Chloe was a much-loved member of our community and she will be missed.

'We have spoken to Chloe's family and they would like us to both acknowledge the tragedy, yet remain calm and pick up the threads of school to carry on with our everyday learning.

'We are concerned about the impact of Chloe's death on her close friends and students. It is important to share this terrible experience together.

'We have established a system of support that is available to any student or member of the school community who wishes to make use of it.

'A book of condolences has been opened at school. This is for the children, staff and parents who wish to express their sad-ness. The book will be sent to Chloe's parents in due course.'

Chloe was a back seat passenger in a red H-reg Mini Mayfair car which crashed into a tree near Coachman's Cottage on the A533 Bostock Road, at Bostock, at 12.50am.

Her funeral was held at a church at Over Peover on Monday.

The second victim was Matthew James Whittle, of Denton Drive, Winsford.

The 19-year-old driver of the Mini was quickly released from hospital. The other two passengers are recovering well.

The car was travelling in the direction of Northwich. It is not thought any other vehicles were involved.

The shrine to Chloe at The Precinct, off London Road, features bouquets of flowers and messages.

Mr Oliver said: 'We know that Chloe's life is being commemorated at sites outside school. While we understand why this has happened, we would discourage students from going to these places during the school day.

'At a time like this it is particularly important that we know where our students are and that they are safe at all times.'

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact police on 01244 350000.