A NEW charity is being launched in memory of a “gifted and beautiful young woman” killed in a tragic accident outside a nightclub.

Olivia Burt, a former head girl of Bournemouth School for Girls, died in a ‘crushing’ incident as she waited outside a nightclub in Durham.

Olivia, 20, was a first year student at Durham University studying natural sciences.

She was also a talented member of the British Sailing Team.

She and her family lived in Milford-on-Sea and Lymington Town Sailing Club has been chosen as the venue for the launch of the new charity, called Olivia Inspires.

Her father, Nigel, is the chairman and founder of the charity and he said he hopes it will enable her spirit to live on.

He said: “She was just embarking on a journey that would have doubtless seen her leaving a lasting mark on our world. But more than this, everyone who knew Olivia remembers her smile and her kindness, and how she inspired others.

“Olivia has been taken from us, but Olivia Inspires aims to allow her spirit to live on.”

He said the charity will help young people between the ages of 11 and 18, whose families live in the New Forest District Council area and who are facing financial hardship.

Mr Burt added: “Grants will be provided to help them develop their potential in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the arts and sport.”

The charity will be launched on Thursday October 3.

Olivia died of head injuries after becoming trapped when a barrier toppled as students queued to get into the Missoula bar in Durham in February this year.

A joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death was launched by Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council.

They have been talking to witnesses and also reviewing CCTV footage.

Following her death, Olivia’s parents released a statement which said: “We are totally devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Olivia.

“She was a wonderful young woman and our words cannot truly express how much we miss her.”

The head teacher of Bournemouth School for Girls, Alistair Brien, also paid tribute and said: “Olivia was a model student in every way. We will all remember her with enormous pride and affection.

More details about the charity are available at oliviainspires.org.uk