Dunblane: How a Black Country family overcame evil to honour their tragic daughter
A prize awarded in the memory of a Black Country girl killed in Dunblane has been presented to one of the pupils of her former school.
Jacob Lain is the first recipient of Cradley C of E Primary's Charlotte Dunn Award.
Charlotte, aged five, grew up in the Black Country and spent her reception year at the school before moving up to Scotland.
In a moving ceremony yesterday at St Peter's Church, Cradley - where Charlotte was baptised - her parents Barbara and Martyn presented eight-year-old Jacob with the prize.
The Year 3 pupil said he was 'really happy and excited. I wasn't expecting it,' while his father Matt, 33, said he was 'so proud'.
Mr Dunn, 55, donned a Lion King tie for the occasion in a nod to Charlotte's favourite film.
He called Jacob a richly deserving winner of the prize, which is awarded to a pupil who exemplifies the school's values.
Mr Dunn said: "He has set the standard for others to follow.
"It was great to see someone so proud and the smile on his face when we called his name was lovely."
The award was presented at the end of the school's annual Easter service.
Cradley headteacher Marcia Harris, who taught Charlotte in reception, said: "Jacob is a lovely, sensible, gentle young man."
Despite his mum Jody Billingham suffering from a serious illness, Mrs Harris said Jacob continues to be a fine role model for others at the school to follow.
Charlotte was killed alongside 15 other pupils and one teacher at Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996 when gunman Thomas Hamilton opened fire.
