'Elsie lit up every room she entered'

THE devastated father of Southport stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe has paid an emotional tribute to his "sweetest" little girl who loved life and parties.

- Saskia Rowlands

David Stancombe's world fell apart when seven-year-old Elsie was killed along with Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Fans of the singer hoped she would pay tribute to the youngsters in her Wembley show after she posted in the wake of their deaths.

Ten others were seriously injured in the knife attack on July 29.

Heartbroken David, who works as a postman, and his wife Jenny shared precious memories of their daughter for a feature with Royal Mail.

It reads: "David would like his Royal Mail family to know just how wonderful a little girl and loving daughter Elsie was.

"[David and Jenny] shared with us that she was the most polite young girl you could ever meet and was loved by everyone - she lit up every room she entered.

"Elsie was chosen to be a part of every single school play and was also a member of the school council."

The couple, who also share daughter Rosie, revealed the garden at Elsie's nursery has been renamed Elsie's Place in her memory.