'This is a reminder even in the darkest times, love can prosper'

A lasting tribute has been opened in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe who was one of three children to lose their life in the Southport attack in July 2024. The seven-year-old, along with Bebe King, six, and Alice da Siliva Aguiar, nine, tragically died following a knife attack on July 29 of that year at a Taylor Swift-themed workshop in the town. Since, work has been done to open a Elsie's Place at St John's adjacent to St John's Church on Liverpool Road in Ainsdale, a place where Elsie attended the nursery which used the church hall. The garden was opened and blessed today, Saturday, by Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, after it was regenerated as a lasting tribute to the little girl. The space is designed to be used as a peaceful and private space where Elsie's friends and