A community space close to the spot where a young girl was killed by a car is being renovated with a butterfly theme in her memory.

Armond Park, Armond Road, Dartford, will stand as a permanent memorial to Lily Lockwood, who was tragically run over near her home in July 2021.

Ward councillor Kelly Grehan said: "It's over a year and half since Lily died, but her presence remains in our community and, both in life and in death, she touched many people.

"When a child dies, in such horrific circumstances it impacts the whole community.

"For Lily's friends losing her has been incredibly traumatic, and as they move to secondary school without her, they really wanted somewhere to keep her memory alive."

The youngster, of Radfield Drive, Stone, was fatally injured a short distance away from her home when she was struck by a yellow Audi S1 near the junction of Meadow Way and Watling Street, Dartford.

Cllr Grehan said the youngster's family currently use the fire station garden close to the scene of the accident to lay tributes to her, but said using a butterfly theme in Lily's memory in the park will be a way to celebrate her too.

She added: "I hope the park being themed with butterflies provides them some comfort."

Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite expressed his pleasure at being able to do something to honour the Brent School pupil.

He said: “That dreadful weekend is fixed in our minds, and while nothing can ever take away the pain or sense of loss felt by Lily’s family and friends, we can celebrate her life and give joy to so many other young children who will be reminded of her every day they use the play space.”

The park's makeover is part of the council's Playground Programme, which is investing money in small parks as well as the big ones such as Buccaneer Bay and Hesketh Park.

Cllr Kite added: “We know some of the most valuable family play experiences happen in small neighbourhood playing areas.

"Some councils neglect smaller play areas but we are determined to modernise and make them more accessible.

"I look forward to working with local communities and representatives to make our plans a reality.”

Lily’s grandma Kim Wilkins says the idea for the park was a big surprise for the family.

She said: “We didn’t know anything about it but we think it’s a lovely idea.

“Ever since Lily’s auntie died six years ago, butterflies have been a bit of a theme in our family. Lily loved them.”

Her little sister Courtney, who is six, is looking forward to playing in the park.

“I’m sure Lily’s mum will like taking Courtney there,” Kim said.

Lily also had a brother, Taylor, 15, and sister Mia, 17.