THE mother of a talented young student killed in the Tunisian terror attack has said his family will never get over losing him.

Suzy Richards spoke movingly about the murder of her son Joel, 19, alongside his uncle Adrian Evans and grandfather Pat Evans on a beach in Sousse, at a dedication ceremony for the new Joel Richards Suite at the University of Worcester yesterday (Tuesday).

The Duke of Gloucester performed the dedication of the conference and media suite at Worcester Arena, in a room in which Mr Richards was himself taught.

Miss Richards, her mother Maureen and son Owen, who survived the attack, were at the ceremony alongside family, friends, students and University staff.

Miss Richards said: "It's been nine months and it feels like nine years of pain. I don't think we'll ever get over losing them.

"To go from six to three just by going on holiday. It's just unfair. That's what we struggle with. It doesn't feel real.

"People often say to me how do you cope? I have to. Yes I'm a bereaved parent, I'm a bereaved sibling, I'm a bereaved daughter but first I'm a mom.

"I will always be a mom and I'll do everything I can to make sure Owen has the best life he can."

She said 'Smile for Joel', a charity she hopes to promote in her son's honour, will be the legacy of the teenager, who was known for his cheery disposition.

The charity will help other bereaved families.

The Duke of Gloucester unveiled a plaque in honour of Mr Richards, describing the murders as "an act of hate."

He praised the university's inclusivity and said future generations of students would find Joel Richards' name 'symbolic with more than tragedy'.

He said: "I hope they will realise it's not just a room in a university.

"It's a very special room in a very special university."

Rebecca Foster who taught Mr Richards, a physical education and sports coaching science student, also spoke.

She said: "Joel was an exceptional student and I don't think I ever saw him without a smile and a twinkle in his eye."

Friends of Mr Richards gave his mother some of the tributes, pictures and poems that were left at the university's gates in the days following the attack.

The university's vice chancellor David Green led the guests in a round of applause for Mr Richards and his family in the room where many of Mr Richards's friends had previously gathered to mark a national minute's silence after the tragedy.

Professor Green said: "Joel spent many happy hours here in this Arena and had classes and lectures in this room.

"We thought this was the right place to name for Joel because it's a very special place where people come to be inspired and to inspire."

He added: "We have come together today with love in our hearts for Joel and his inspirational family."

Also at the ceremony was the Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire, Patrick Holcroft, the High Sherriff of Worcestershire Anthony Winnington, Peter Atkinson, the Dean of Worcester, the Mayor of Worcester Roger Knight and Ian Hopwood, the chairman of Worcestershire County Council.