HEARTFELT tributes were paid to Ellie May Holden — one of Bolton's much-loved quadruplets — who died last year.

On what would have been her sixth birthday, family and friends gathered at Green Fold School to release dozens of balloons in her memory.

Parents Marc Hanley and Gillian Holden, who live in Kearsley, defied odds of 750,000 to one when they naturally conceived sisters Ellie, Bethany, Millie, and Lucy, becoming the first family in Bolton to have quads in 50 years.

Ellie died in her father's arms at Alder Hey Hospital in October and the family have since raised more than £4,000 in generous donations to pay for a headstone, with the help of Hall and Heyes Funeral Services.

Miss Holden said: "The idea came from Abbie, Ellie's older sister, and one of her friends to do a balloon release.

"It's wonderful to see so many people out here today and to know that Ellie meant so much to everyone here at school.

"We just want to thank everyone and say how grateful we are for the help and support we have received in the last few months."

The girls were born prematurely by Caesarean section and spent in months in hospital before being allowed home.

Ellie, who had cerebral palsy, remained on oxygen and under the care of medics.

She underwent a number of operations and always fought back to recover, undergoing her first operation at the age of 10 months.

Andy Feeley, the school's executive head teacher, added: "Ellie was just wonderful. She was loved by everyone here and the whole school was saddened by her loss.

"She was a huge part of the school and of all of us.

"When the suggestion came up to do a balloon release in her memory, we were delighted to offer the school as a location for it because Ellie spent so many happy times here."