Dozens of tributes have been left at the school gates and on social media to John Taylor pupil Holly Brown who died in a road crash while on a school art trip.

Friends and acquaintances and those living nearby have all expressed their sadness and love for the 14-year-old, who died on Friday, July 7m in a collision involving the minibus she was travelling in and council bin lorry in Birmingham.

Holly, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was one of the 21 children from the Barton school who were on the bus when it crashed in Castle Vale, in Birmingham. A second teenage girl from the school was taken to hospital with minor injuries and others were treated at the roadside. West Midlands Police said the minibus was also carrying four adults - the driver and three teachers.

The gates at the Barton under Needwood school have been surrounded with stunning flowers and heartfelt messages for Holly, whose twin sister is also a pupil at the school.

Holly Brown was much-loved by those who knew her

One tribute read: “RIP Holly. You will be missed and always will be loved, never forgotten. Our school will not be the same. Keep on dancing. All our thoughts with your family.”

Another friend said: “Holly, I have loved our seven years of pointe shoes, dances and laughs together. You will be sorely missed but I feel honoured to have grown up around you.”

One note said: “These tributes are not just for you sweet angel but also for your family, friends and staff at John Taylor High School. They have to live on knowing they have lost you. RIP Holly Brown.”

Burton Mail readers have also taken to the Facebook page to pay tribute to the talented teen, who dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer and three years ago beat 250 other youngsters to win a starring role in Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Theatre, in Wolverhampton.

Flowers have been left by the school gates for Holly Brown

Lizzie Lavill said: “My sister attended JTHS [John Taylor High School]and while she spent her years there I can say some of the support network that the school has in place is very good, so I hope all will use this and find some peace. Thinking of all who had to deal with this accident and also the young girl’s family and friends. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.”

Lucy Elizabeth Sarah Westwood said: “It is going to be a very tough day today at JTHS.”

Sylvia Hazlehurst: “Prayers were said and candles lit at morning service in St Saviour’s Church today for Holly and her family, you will be continuously in our prayers.”

Kathleen Norris said: “She has a twin sister too, so sad. God bless her and her family. My thoughts are with you.”

Jean Fletcher said: “Our thoughts are with you all” and Mel Warren simply added: “Just heart breaking”.