THE "SPIRIT of Lelaina", a rescue hovercraft in memory of a Worcester schoolgirl, will be launched this weekend.

It comes almost a year after the tragic death of five-year-old Lelaina Hall, who became trapped in deep mud during low tide while holidaying in Burnham-on-Sea, near Weston-super-Mare.

The hovercraft was funded by hundreds of generous Evening News readers as well as people in Weston-super-Mare who were touched by her death - and now Lelaina's family hope it will prevent such terrible accidents happening in the future.

"It has been overwhelming. We were not expecting it at all," said Lelaina's mother Caroline.

"In some ways it does not mean a lot to me because it cannot help Lelaina, but at the same time I hope it will prevent others from going through what I have been through.

"It will be the only positive to come out of such a tragedy," she added.

Generosity from the public has raised around £110,000, which is enough to fund a life-saving service that includes a boathouse, equipment, a towing vehicle, training for the staff and running costs for a year.

The youngster drowned on Sunday, June 23, last year, despite the frantic efforts of Laurence Boyce, the boyfriend of Lelaina's mother, who tried to wade out and rescue her.

She was later found floating face down in the water by a rescue helicopter and was taken to Weston General Hospital, where she later died.

Her mother admitted the months since the accident has been difficult, but added that she was grateful to everyone for the support they have given.

"I have been sent letters by strangers, which has helped," she added.

The six-seater hovercraft can reach speeds of up to 65mph on sand, mud and water.

On Saturday, there will be a launch lunch, attended by close family and friends, at Brean Leisure Park in Burnham, where the hovercraft will be unveiled.

The following day, the Rev Sally Lace, from Burnham, will carry out a blessing.