A POPULAR student who died in tragic circumstances last summer was being posthumously honoured at a poignant awards ceremony in Bournemouth today.

Single mum Samantha Vines' life was cruelly cut short on August 7, 2003 before she could complete her four-year degree course at Bournemouth University.

But her memory will live on this morning when her two-year-old daughter, Casey-Jade, and her mother, Shelagh Vines, will collect her diploma in Licensed Retail Management. Graduates who studied alongside 26-year-old Samantha will receive their BA degrees before Casey-Jade and her grandmother walk to the podium together to receive Samantha's award at Bournemouth International Centre.

"It will be a very proud day," said Mrs Vines, 50, from Catalina Close, Mudeford. "Casey-Jade is still too young to understand but it seems fitting that she is there with me to receive her mother's award.

"Photographs of the ceremony will be kept in the box where we store all the mementoes Casey-Jade will be able to treasure when she is older.

"Sammy loved university life and had many friends there. After her death we received many cards from the students who knew and loved her. They knew Casey-Jade as well because Sammy sometimes took her to lectures.

"So many people came to Sammy's funeral there wasn't enough room for them in the church.

"Our family is extremely touched that the university has decided to present Sammy's award posthumously.

"She worked very hard and was hoping to study for a Masters degree after completing her BA."

Mrs Vines and her family are still struggling to cope with Samantha's death.

"Despite what people say time doesn't heal," she said.

A man has been charged with Samantha Vines' murder and is due to stand trial at Winchester Crown Court next February.