A FOUNDATION is being set up to honour the Shaldon actress who was killed in a car accident on Boxing Day.
The family of Helen Kirk, 25, are establishing the charitable trust to support young people in south Devon to develop their talents in the arts.
The former Shaldon primary and Teignmouth Community College student was very much involved with the arts from an early age.
She joined young people's drama groups from the age of five and was encouraged to develop her talents by dedicated teachers in the schools and clubs she attended.
She went on to fulfil her ambition of becoming an actress and trained at Aberystwyth University and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London.
She acted under the stage names of Helen Owen-Taylor and Helen Hezel. Her mother Annie Kirk said: 'One of her passions was the arts, especially the theatre, and loved working with young people through Theatre-in-Education, encouraging youngsters to develop their talents to the full.
'Her own life was immeasurably enriched by the arts and she saw that, for many children, it provided the key to unlocking the best in themselves.'
Drama, music, mask making and puppet workshops are being held at schools tomorrow as part of the new charity.
The workshops, for those aged seven to 16, will be free and open to all on a first-come basis.
Workshops at Teignmouth include drama and mask making, puppetry at Shaldon Primary School by Idolrich and drama at Dawlish Community College.
There are also workshops being held in Newton Abbot and Ashburton. Mrs Kirk added: 'People in Teignbridge have been exceptionally generous with donations, and we are getting underway secure in the knowledge that the Foundation – and us – has people's love and support.
'We do want to say a massive thank you to so many well-wishers, and so many of them young people in Dawlish, Teignmouth and beyond who have been so moved and so caring. There are some very special people out there.'
For further information call 01626 862318.