PUPILS at a Newport school will start the new term mourning the loss of a classmate - just months after the death of another pupil.

Bassaleg Comprehensive pupil Laurie Mae Roberts was killed after a collision with a motorbike on Monday - only a day after she celebrated her 14th birthday.

Back in January the same school community was rocked when 12-year-old Rhys Jones died after being swept away by the swollen River Ebbw at Rhiwderin. Yesterday would have been his 13th birthday.

Today the communities of Bassaleg and Rogerstone are again reeling from the shock of tragedy.

Bassaleg School head teacher Dr Ian Garrero said: "Laurie was a very considerate, caring girl. She was involved in the school choir and was bright. She did things her own unique way. It is a tragic loss."

Pupils are due to return to the school tomorrow. Dr Garrero said: "We will certainly be praying for the family in our assemblies and we will remember Laurie in a special way."

He said counselling would be offered to pupils in the same way as it was when Rhys died.

"I have spoken to Laurie's parents to offer our sympathy, prayers and understanding," Dr Garrero added.

Laurie was walking near the Rogerstone and Bassaleg cemetery in Pen-y-Lan Road, Bassaleg, at 3pm on the bank holiday afternoon when the accident happened.

She was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital but died shortly after. The motorcyclist was also taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition. The cause of the accident is not yet known.

At the family home in the Thornbury Park area of High Cross, where Laurie lived with her parents and younger brother and sister, her father said he was too upset to talk.

Neighbour Elizabeth Hopkins told the Argus she had known Laurie since she was a baby.

She said: "It's an awful shock, I really can't believe it. She was a lovely girl and they are a lovely family.

"It's just devastating."

At the scene of the accident floral tributes have been laid in memory of the popular teenager.

Written by young hands, one of the messages reads: "To my best mate, we are still best friends and always will be wherever you are"," another: "Laurie, miss you loads, sleep well."

Another simply reads: "Best friends forever, I'll never forget you." Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 01633 838111.