A MEMORIAL has been created to celebrate the life of a schoolboy who died from cancer.

Seven-year-old Joshua Westwell lost his battle against lung cancer in November, after fighting the disease for five years.

His school, Holy Trinity CE Primary, Stacksteads, has now created a memorial area in its gardens.

John Aspin, headteacher at the Booth Road school, said: "Josh was a lovely boy, who never made a fuss of what he was going through or let his illness get the better of him.

"His death was a great loss for the whole school, he was enormously popular with fellow pupils and staff alike, and after his death we had always planned to do something in his memory."

A few weeks ago the school opened the memorial area built specially for Josh, with a plaque commemorating his life which includes a quote from his parents' dedication at his funeral.

Karen and Paul Westwell, and Josh's siblings Chloe, six, and two-year-old Lewis, were joined by scores of his friends from Holy Trinity at the funeral held at St Saviour's Church.

Mr Aspin said: "Josh always loved the garden, so we thought it a fitting tribute. We have also dedicated some of the trophies we give out for achievements in his name."

Mrs Westwell, from Lee Road, said: "It's nice for us to know that Josh will always be remembered, not just by us but by all those at the school.

"We'd like to thank the school, and especially Mr Aspin, for being so understanding and brilliant during all that's happened, it's been a great help to us."

After being diagnosed with lung cancer at 18 months old, Joshua was in and out of remission, but last year doctors told his parents nothing more could be done.