TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular 12-year-old boy whose death stunned his family and school pals.

Niall Birtwell, of Tarn Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors, died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary last Thursday a day after collapsing at home in the arms of his parents Andrew and Lauren.

The fit and healthy youngster, a budding ice hockey star, had been suffering from what was thought to be a sickness bug for a few days before his death.

His funeral will take place this afternoon, when St Christopher's High School, Accrington, will close as a mark of respect.

Andrew, 42, and Lauren, 38, said this week: "We are so very proud of Niall, he was a star.

"He was happiest at Blackburn Ice Arena. Last month he qualified for the Blackburn Hawks' under-14s ice hockey team and he was so proud of himself. He use to practice outside the house in his roller boots. Niall was going to go far with ice hockey. He was also a good student, who worked hard. He had excellent results and he loved school."

Dad Andrew is also a regular at Blackburn Arena, where the under-14s side, known as the Kestrels, are to donate a trophy in Niall's memory.

He added: "Niall could be very cheeky and would play around. He was very enthusiastic, especially about ice hockey, and he scored two goals the first time he played properly, which was amazing. People's tributes to him speak for themselves."

Niall's fellow Year 7 pupils at St Christopher's were told of his death at a special assembly, at which the Rev Kevin Logan gave words of comfort. Twenty-four of the youngsters who had known him throughout their primary school years at All Saints, Clayton-le-Moors, were informed separately.

His former primary school headteacher, Peter Jump, said: "Niall was here with us for seven years and we saw him develop from the age of four to 11.

"When staff heard of his death many were devastated.

"Niall had a mature attitude to life and he had a droll sense of humour. He wasn't the most extrovert of boys but he was well-liked within his year group and he was somebody who always believed in fairness.

"He was hard-working, a willing helper and a kind and truthful boy."

St Christopher's headteacher Alasdair Coates said: "Niall quickly established himself as a popular boy with both pupils and staff. He had settled well in this school and we felt privileged to have him. Our whole school community is shocked by his sudden death."

Niall, who attended All Saints Church, had been a member of the Sunday School, done Bible readings and taken part in plays. He had recently joined CBA, a weekly youth club at the church.

The Rev John Tranter, who will conduct the funeral, said: "Any sudden death is shocking and the sudden death of one so young is difficult to handle.

"We are all feeling a sense of loss and our main concern is for Niall's family and friends who are really struggling."

Music-loving Niall had taken recorder, violin, choir and guitar lessons. He enjoyed disco and ballroom dancing, theatre workshops, football, swimming and ju jitsu, and had been a member of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

As well as his parents, he leaves grandma Syl, grandad Brian, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

A funeral service in All Saints at 1.15pm today (Fri) will be followed by cremation at Accrington.

A file on his death has been passed to the Coroner.