Flowers planted in honour of tot

ELLIE-KATE Moss, Kian Kiely, Jensen Dowd, Lara Dowd, Alfie Dowd, Charlie Stanton.

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THE young cousins of the toddler who was killed in the Shaw blast marked the anniversary of his death by planting flowers in the park where he took his first steps.

Bullcote Park in Heyside - which includes a playground opened in memory of Jamie Heaton - is part of Oldham's Britain in Bloom entry.

His family joined council workers on Saturday to help get it ready for the judging in August.

Two year-old Jamie was watching TV when an explosion ripped through his house in Buckley Street four years ago yesterday.

It was caused by his drunken next-door neighbour Andrew Partington, who cut a gas pipe after his partner left him. He was jailed for ten years after he admitted manslaughter and eight charges of destroying houses in the blast.

Jamie's parents Michelle and Kenny Heaton - who have children Jack (12), Jodie (9) and eight-month-old Vincent - set up the Jamie's Something Special appeal following his death. It raised money for a new children's play area in the park which opened in August.

Picnic tables will also be installed in the next few months and Kenny said: "It's a bit emotional as it's the anniversary of Jamie's death, but it is always nice to get the family together.

"I love the park. We bring our children all the time as we are only round the corner.

"It's always busy and it's nice seeing other children enjoying it. It's also nice for all the hard work Oldham Council has put into it to be recognised."

The family went away for the day yesterday and Kenny added: "We try to take our minds off it and try our best to get through the day.

"It never gets easier - you just learn to live with it but it's always hard. It helps having friends and family, and the community are always behind you."