A young performer has received an award in memory of Aimee Wellock, who died from a heart condition.

Kennedy Dean, 13, of Thackley was presented with the Aimee Wellock Award for Dedication and Commitment to Dance, set up in memory of the late Allerton teenager.

Aimee, 15, died from a heart condition after running from a gang which had attacked her at the Chellow Dene beauty spot near her home. She had been a pupil at Spotlight Stage School in Allerton for six years.

“Aimee was really shy at first and I watched her develop her skills and confidence over the years. She was very dedicated and committed,” said principal Gill Robinson.

“Her death had a big impact on the school, we were all so shocked. We decided to set up an award in her memory.

“Two of the parents bought the shield and we present it at our annual awards ceremony for the best pupil of the year.

“Kennedy has been superb this year. She’s a very talented dancer and gives 100 per cent. She’s very focused and she smiles the whole time.

“Her face lit up when we gave her the award, she wasn’t expecting it at all.”

Gill said the stage school had included a routine in Aimee’s memory in a variety show called Catch the Dream which was recently performed at the Alhambra.

She said: “It was to the song I Believe from the film Honey, some of the girls choreographed it themselves. Aimee’s parents came along to the show.”

Kennedy’s father Richard said she had been “honoured” to receive the award. He said: “She was awarded it for her aptitude and general approach to dancing.

“She’s the youngest pupil to receive it. She has been dancing since she was six, we’re very proud of her. She dances every day of the week, she’d love to become a professional dancer. Her sister Weston, who’s seven, is also a talented dancer.” Other Spotlight pupils who won awards at the recent awards ceremony were Amy Wilson, 20, and Sophie Thornton, 14, who won the Most Promising Dancer awards in their age groups, and Nathan Robinson, 10, and Kimberley Davies, eight, who won the Outstanding Achievement awards.

Spotlight Stage School’s next performance will be a dance routine at Bradford Magic Circle’s show, Hey Preso!, at Bingley Arts Centre next March.

e-mail:emma.clayton@telegraphandargus.co.uk