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Members of the Khan family and headteacher Trish Sangwine in the garden

Anum Khan - one of two children murdered in an arson attack on their home 11 years ago - always loved going to school.

Now the nine-year-old has a permanent memorial to her at the school site in Hertford Street, East Oxford, that her family visited for the first time today.

Anum and her 15-year-old brother Majid died following the fire at their home in Magdalen Road, in August, 1997, when arsonists squirted petrol through the letterbox.

Anum was a pupil at the SS Mary and John Primary School building now occupied by the Comper Foundation Stage School.

Her sister, Annis, 32, is a teacher at the foundation school and has helped in setting up the new garden, which replaces one that had fallen into disrepair.

Miss Khan said: "Anum loved this school and would always come home very excited with lots to tell us about.

"I always wanted to be a teacher and I think it was meant to be that I would end up working at the school which Anum went to.

"The garden is a place where children can come and have some quiet time, learn about gardening or read a story - it can be used as an outdoor classroom.

Anum Khan

"Anum had a wonderful time here, so we are very pleased that she is being remembered in this way."

The garden includes flower beds, a sculpture of a red kite, a water feature and an area for a pagoda where jasmine, one of Anum's favourite plants, will be grown.

The garden costing hundreds of pounds was funded by the school and donations from the local community.

Another sister of Anum, Naz Khan, said that the annual cricket match in memory of Majid was being played at the Horspath ground on August 17.

She said anyone interested in taking part should call the organisers on 07747 072241.

School headteacher Trish Sangwine said: "There used to be a memorial garden for Anum in the old school on this site, and when the Comper school opened in 2004 we promised to reinstate it.

"Children aged three to five now attend this school and they will be able to come and enjoy this peaceful garden."

Four of the Khan family escaped the blaze. Anum died in the fire on August 26, 1997, and Majid died two days later from burns.

Five men were convicted of their murders in November, 1998, and are still serving prison sentences.

Hertford Street barber Dennis Pratley was one of the local residents who made a donation towards the cost of the garden.

He said: "I've known the Khan family for 30 years and all the girls came to my shop for their first haircuts. The garden is a lovely addition to the school."

5:59pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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