A kind-hearted Sandwell schoolgirl has focused her time this Christmas on designing a bird box in memory of a West Midlands Police officer who sadly passed away.

Ellie has been voluntarily working with the Sandwell Partnerships team since last year when she was applauded for her efforts in helping to host a cancer club in the area, supporting those affected by the illness and raising money for those in need.

This Christmas, 11-year-old Ellie has used her spare time to design and paint a bird box in memory of PC Scott Durber, who worked in the force’s response team and died from cancer in 2018.

Ellie became aware of his death after seeing fundraising posters for a bike ride that officers took part in to honour PC Durber’s work and she set about thinking what she could do to keep his memory alive.cSandwell’s Neighbourhood Superintendent Martin Hurcomb met with Ellie last week and said:

“It was a real privilege to meet Ellie and her mother and to receive the bird box in memory of Scott. I know this gesture will mean a great deal to Scott’s family and police colleagues, and I find Ellie’s story truly inspiring.

“For someone to go above and beyond to bring happiness, for me, it demonstrates one of the force’s values of offering friendship. It’s amazing to see an 11-year-old offer friendship towards us, the police.”

Last week, the bird feeding box was installed above a memorial bench at the back of West Bromwich police station, where staff can go to take a moment’s peace and collect their thoughts.