The family of a young girl who lost her battle with leukemia at the age of 13 were overwhelmed after her friends unveiled a mural celebrating the budding artist’s life.

Classmates of Melanie Kogelbauer, who died in July 2007 following a three-year fight against the illness, have spent the past two years working on the project – a collection of her favourite things immortalised in a mosaic.

It was officially unveiled at an emotional ceremony on Wednesday, in a courtyard at Grey Court School, where Melanie, described as a “creative and arty person”, was a pupil.

Melanie’s parents, Andreas and Meltem Kogelbauer, and sister, Jasmin, who currently goes to the Ham Street school and also helped create the design, were filled with pride and gratitude when they saw the realisation of a tribute two years in the making.

A tearful Mr Kogelbauer said: “It’s absolutely stunning – it’s amazing.

“The kids were going at it for months at a time, we had no idea what it was going to look like.

“I really think they could not have done it any better – I don’t think these girls actually know what they’ve done for her.”

Mrs Kogelbauer added: “Her friends were so tenacious and dedicated and put their spare time into it. This means a lot to us – absolutely a lot.

“I cannot think of a better signature than this.”

Sister Jasmin, who has just started year 8, said: “As the mosaic is wonderful, everyone can remember Melanie as a wonderful person.”

The mural, which is filled with images and words with personal significance to Melanie, was suggested by her best friend Senni Whitaker.

Senni designed the part of the mosaic with the words “I’ll be looking at the moon but I’ll be seeing you”, which comes from a Billie Holiday song the pair loved.

Another friend, Daisy Neal, explained: “We were trying to think of a good way to remember her - she was really creative so it seemed like a good way.”

Senni said: “Mel was my best friend from primary school.

“When she first came I thought she was a bit weird, she used to kiss my head and I thought it was really strange – she was the funniest person you could ever meet.”

One image shows a wave with musical notes from the song A Whole New World, from Disney’s Aladdin.

“That song she loved to perform,” Mr Kogelbauer said.

Speaking at the unveiling, headteacher Maggie Bailey commented: “It’s a difficult time but we wanted this to be a celebration of Melanie’s life at school - this will be a permanent memory.

“Hopefully in time, as memories become brighter and brighter [the Kogelbauer family] can look back and see this mosaic as a representation of Melanie’s life.”

Staff and pupils all praised Melanie, who they said never let illness get the better of her, would turn up to school to be with her friends whenever she could and who was always smiling.

Mr and Mrs Kogelbauer also paid thanks to artist Kim Porrelli, who helped bring the dream project of all of Melanie’s friends to life.