Students from Ramsey Grammar’s Learning Support Unit have dedicated a bench to a fellow pupil who died in 2015.

An afternoon tea was held at the school in memory of Connell Tebay, who was treasured by his classmates.

Connell suffered from a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, a lifelong condition that begins at infancy, and died at the age of 12 as a result of the long-term illness.

To honour his memory, the students have spent months organising fundraisers to help reach their target amount for a bench to be placed in the unit’s garden.

Once they achieved their target, a design was sent to Dave Richards from Woodworks, who crafted the outdoor bench.

Amy Kelly, manager of the the support unit, said: ’We talked to the students about what they remembered about Connell.

’Working together, we thought about his favourite things to add to the bench.

’He liked to make jigsaw puzzles and was a Disney fan so that’s why we’ve put a quote from the Toy Story song on the plaque.

’Connell was funny, cheeky and always happy despite his difficulties,’ she added.

’He struggled with speech and some motor skills, but he made huge improvements and we got to see the best of him.

’He lit up the room and the kids loved him.’

About 50 guests were served sandwiches and cakes on the night over table cloths designed by the students, who provided entertainment by singing, dancing and a solo piano act.

Connell’s parents, Louise and Nigel, and two younger sisters, Lola and Saskia, attended the tribute and said that they were incredibly touched by the efforts made by his school friends.

Louise paid tribute to her son saying: ’He was a fun, loving, happy boy and he was a really wonderful son to us.

’We desperately miss him.

’We’re so proud of what the staff and children have achieved.

’They’ve been really supportive of us as a family and the time and effort towards this bench just shows how inclusive Ramsey Grammar School is.’