THE HEARTBROKEN family of an “amazing” 11-year-old girl will tomorrow lay their “bright star” to rest.

Ellie Thornton, 11, tragically died after being knocked down on her way to school.

Paying tribute to Ellie, her family said: “ This is not just a family loss but a tragedy for the whole community.”

She left behind parents Ben and Kerry, step-parents Vicky and Adrian, and a younger brother and sister Felix and Sophia.

The family said in a statement: “Ellie, our bright star, was an amazing person.

“She was confident, worldly, kind natured and caring towards others. She had raised money for Chestnut Tree House and Comic Relief, and for her young age she had a great awareness that there are many children not as fortunate as she was.

“Ellie was so adventurous, sociable and bright. She made both of her families very proud, only a few weeks ago we listened as Ellie’s teachers gave glowing accounts of her achievements, her great potential and enthusiastic attitude. Ellie’s personality shone bright wherever she went and she had many friends both at school, at Guides and in the wider communities of Thakeham and Shoreham.

“Over the last few days we have received correspondence from her classmates sharing their memories of Ellie and these have been full of sorrow, praise and love for our little girl who will be missed by more than just immediate family.”

“Both families are completely devastated to have lost Ellie at such a young age.She leaves behind a younger sister and brother who love her very much.”

Ellie was knocked down by a VW Transporter van near a bus stop on the B2139 Storrington Road on her way to school on March 2.

Ellie and her mother Kerry were taken to St George’s Hospital in London by air ambulance where she spent a week fighting a severe brain injury, but passed away on March 29.

An inquest into Ellie’s death was yesterday opened and adjourned.

Her family praised her fellow school pupil who called the emergency services from the scene of the tragedy. They also thanked the emergency staff who did their best to try and save her both at the scene of the accident and in hospital.

Ellie’s schoolfriends at Rydon Community College have been sharing their memories of her.

Friends and family have been paying tribute online. Her grandmother Shirley, who she knew as Nonna, said: “Darling Ellie loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

Another tribute said: “You brought us all joy and laughter. Your giggle will never dampen in our hearts and heads. Fly sweet heart fly.”

Her favourite band Coldplay even paid an emotional tribute to her.

Her friends and family are asked to wear bright colours and no black to her funeral at Worthing Crematorium, at 2.20pm on Thursday.

PLEASE MAKE THE ROAD SAFER SO NO ONE ELSE SUFFERS

ELLIE Thornton’s family have called for improvements to the road where she was killed.

They said: “While it is comforting to know that planned safety improvements to the road and bus stop location have been brought forward as a result of the accident, it leaves us questioning why these measures were not already in place considering the concerns that had already been raised.

“We cannot understand why it takes the loss of an innocent life for authorities to take more immediate action.

“Some changes have been made, the mud is now being cleared from the road and a temporary bus stop sign has been put up, but cars continue to speed, unaware that children are crossing the road just yards ahead.

“We hope that safety improvements advance as quickly as possible so that no other family has to suffer this devastation to their lives.”

Sussex Police are continuing to investigate the collision and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

Anyone able to help should email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting Operation Turquoise.

The driver of the VW Transporter was unhurt.

PC Ian Foxton said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family at what is a difficult time.”

A full inquest will try to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy and the coroner could call for improvements to the road.