A memorial tree has been unveiled in Darlington for Scarlett Vickers, giving her friends and family space to remember the late teenager. 

Today (Saturday, July 13), a tree at Eastbourne Park Community Hub was dedicated to Scarlett, adorned with colourful ribbons and touching messages of grief. 

Scarlett was allegedly murdered by her parents at their Geneva Road home in Darlington just over a week ago, and her death has shaken the town. 

Scarlett's loved ones gathered in the Darlington park to pay tribute to the "popular, friendly, polite" 14-year-old. 

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The memorial event came days after her parents, Simon Vickers and Sarah Hall, appeared in court charged with her murder.

Clare Foster, chair of Eastbourne Park Community Hub said that the organisation decided to pay tribute in this was as Scarlett used to come to the park and sit on the tyres under the tree. 

She added: "We had quite a lot of people come out to get a ribbon and write a message, and tie it to the tree. 

"We are getting a picnic bench, and are going to paint it red and purple, Scarlett's favourite colours, and will be getting a plaque put on it in memory of the young lady."

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Earlier in the week, the park invited friends and loved ones to come down and write tributes on ribbons, and then tie them to the tree. 

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Elsewhere in the town today, schoolmates, friends and members of the community gathered to release purple, pink and red balloons for the teenager. 

Crowds gathered at Alderman Crooks Park (locally known as Tommy Crooks Park) at noon on Saturday (July 13) in what was a moving display from those involved. 

Mother Ms Hall was granted bail this week, but no application has been made on behalf of Scarlett's father. 

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)