TWO children who died after drowning in the water off Bournemouth are being remembered as part of an art installation.

Portal by Lucid Creates will shine a white light for a minute of silence and reflection every half hour in memory of Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton and Sunnah Khan, 12, from Buckinghamshire.

This will be preceded and followed by calming music.

A sign has also been placed at the installation with a QR code donation link for anyone who wishes to donate to the Royal Life Saving Society in memory of Joe and Sunnah, as well as others lost at sea.

Joe and Sunnah died after an incident in the sea on Bournemouth beach on May 31. 

The families of the two children complained to BCP Council about the position of the artwork in place for Bournemouth arts festival, Arts by the Sea. 

BCP Council initially said it would close down the installation, however, it was later agreed with the families that Portal would remain in place until Wednesday, October 4, as planned.

Cllr Andy Martin, BCP Council portfolio holder responsible for communications and culture said: “We remain deeply sorry for the upset that the positioning of the installation on the beach has caused, and we would like to express our gratitude to the families of Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan for working with us over the past few days to find a respectful way forward.

“This includes additional features to encourage moments of silence and reflection for those wishing to do so when visiting the site.”

The families said: “Although still saddened by the choice of location, we have worked with BCP Council and the Arts by the Sea Festival team to find a respectful way for the installation to continue for the benefit of the event and the local community."