A wildlife charity called Eastbourne Pier, fearing birds and fish were at risk once the balloons released in memory of popular local girl Tuesday O'Hara deflated.

Tuesday died in January after battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia since June 2003.

Friends and family held the memorial event on the pier on April 26, Tuesday's 22nd birthday.

Her mother Sue O'Hara, of Sidcup Close, this week assured those concerned for wildlife and the environment the balloons were biodegradable and would cause little risk.

She said, "Our priority was creating a memorial to Tuesday, something she would have liked and to be honest at first we didn't think about the environmental side.

"But as soon as the point was raised we checked that the balloons we were going to release were biodegradable and they were.

"Now we know for future years that we can remember Tuesday in this way and be aware of protecting the environment at the same time."

Christos Stylianou, acting general manager at Eastbourne Pier, said, "The person from the charity which contacted us was concerned about the quality of the balloons and what they were made of.

"If they weren't biodegradable then they are a danger to birds and sealife once they have deflated.

"When we agreed to the launch of the balloons we did specify to the people hosting the event they had to have council permission.

"They have asked to do one every year on April 26 – Tuesday's birthday – and we are happy for them to do that if they can keep the people looking after the sealife happy."

Tuesday's mother and father, Frank, have been helped by friends to set up a new charity.

The Tuesday O'Hara Fund will raise money for hospital wards and people aged 18-30 who are diagnosed with cancer.

More information on events for the fund and how to get involved can be found at www.tuesdayoharafund.co.uk