FUND has been set up in tribute to horse sanctuary worker Laura Davies, stabbed to death outside her workplace.

Laura , 21, was killed outside the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, in Pitsea, on Friday night.

Since then, hundreds of wellwishers have left flowers, poems and messages at the sanctuary gates, while the facility has remained closed to the public while Laura’s colleagues come to terms with her death.

However workmates say they are determined to ensure her memory lives on through the Laura Davies Fund, set up in her name.

Money donated through the fund will go to the care of the abandoned and neglected animals for which Laura cared at the sanctuary.

Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society manager Sue Allery said: “She was such a special person, who will be so missed by us all.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura’s family at this very difficult time.

“We have received a many enquiries about a tribute to Laura. We have discussed this with Laura’s parents and they have agreed it would be fitting to open a fund in her memory, which will be put towards a project in Laura’s name to directly support and benefit the animals she cared so much about.

“Lots of flowers have been left at the entrance to the sanctuary in memory of Laura. She would have been so moved.”

Laura's mother, Dyanne Lambert,has posted on the sanctuary’s Facebook page to thank wellwishers for their support and kind comments.

The post says: “My family are still trying to come to terms with the loss of a beautiful, caring young girl.”

In court over killing

JORDAN Taylor, 22 – thought to be Laura's boyfriend – has appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court charged with her murder.

The pair both lived in Churchill Avenue, Basildon.

Taylor, wearing a standard-issue grey sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name. He gave no indication of plea.

He was remanded in custody and is next due in court on Monday, September 7.