Police believe Francesca was killed by her mother

The service was held at the Dorothy Goodman Special School in Hinckley where Francesca Hardwick was a student.

It is thought Frankie, as she was known, was killed by her mother Fiona Pilkington who then took her own life.

Their bodies were found in the car on the A47 at Earl Shilton in Leicestershire on 23 October.

'Very saddened'

Head teacher Tony Smith said Frankie, who had severe learning difficulties, was a well-loved member of the school.

"Frankie was a wonderful student. She was with us for 14 years so we got to know her and her family very well.

"We're very upset and very saddened by what has occurred. What we want to do is celebrate the time Frankie spent with us...we want to celebrate the life of a very special person."

A tree was planted as part of the memorial service on Monday and a shield for exceptional progress in outdoor pursuits will be named after the former student.