South Shields turned pink and blue on Tuesday (May 22) in memory of Westoe Travel apprentice Chloe Rutherford, killed in last year’s Manchester Arena attack.
Chloe, who was just 17, and partner Liam Curry, 19, were among the 22 innocent people killed in the bombing, moments after pop star Ariana Grande left the stage.
On Tuesday, 30 schools and more than 5,000 people in the community the young couple called home wore pink and blue in their memory.
Hundreds gathered at the town hall in the morning where flowers were laid at the couple’s memorial bench while a Chloe and Liam flag flew over the town.
To date, the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust has raised more than £100,000, which will be used to help young people like Chloe and Liam fulfil their potential.
Westoe Travel director Graeme Brett said Chloe and Liam’s families had “inspired so many people with their incredibly positivity”.
“The message from the families was very clear - that we celebrate all the love and happiness of Chloe and Liam, and that we support other young people achieve their ambitions through the trust,” said Brett.
Tuesday's Manchester Evening News front page #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Er2owRADJb
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) May 21, 2018
Services were held in Manchester on Tuesday to remember those killed in the bombing, while Grande paid her own tribute via Twitter.
"Thinking of you all today and every day 🐝." she wrote. "I love you with all of me and am sending you all of the light and warmth I have to offer on this challenging day."