A COMMUNITY is in shock after a 13-year-old boy was found hanged.

Declan Gatenby, described as a real character who made everyone laugh, was discovered at his home in Stacksteads.

Pupils at his school, Fearns Community College, were allowed home to grieve as tributes poured in for the ‘happy and smiling’ teen, who loved football, being outdoors and spending time with his friends.

Fearns' headteacher Nigel Dawson said: "Declan was a popular, lively and confident pupil within our school.

“He was always happy and smiling.

"We were all shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of Declan’s death.

“As a school community we are struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of one of our young people.

“He will be very sadly missed by his fellow pupils and school staff.

"All staff and pupils here share a great sense of loss, and we would like to offer our most sincere sympathies to Declan's family and loved ones at this extremely sad time."

Lancashire County Council’s critical incident team is giving counselling to pupils and staff to help them come to terms with the tragedy.

Police family liaison officers were supporting Declan’s family yesterday at their home in Church Gardens, Stacksteads, after he died on Sunday evening.

Deborah Percy, who has a child at Fearns, said some pupils were so ‘inconsolable’ on hearing the of Declan’s death, that they had to be collected from school.

She said: “My daughter had been to primary school with Declan as well as high school.

“She is devastated, as are some of her friends.

“He was always making the children laugh in lessons, a real character.

“Such a shame.”

Condolences poured in on social media networks.

One message on Declan's Facebook page said: “Well Dec, I didn’t know you for that long but the time that you were here you made me laugh and smile.

“You were always the class clown made everyone feel equal.

“Everyone’s missing you, near enough all of year eight was crying today.

“Thanks Dec for being my friend and giving me so many memories. RIP Declan.”

Another friend posted: “Rest in peace Declan, you was a brilliant boy who deserved so much in the future.

“You’re a brave lad and your family and friends will always love you and I just want you to know that you'll be in everyone’s hearts forever.

“We will miss you forever and ever.”

And another said: “RIP Declan we all will miss you and it will never be the same without you.

“We are all so sorry we couldn't make things better for you.

“You will never be forgotten no matter what."

The coroner has been notified of Declan’s death and a post-mortem examination was due to be carried out today.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Police and paramedics were called shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday to an address in Church Gardens, in Stacksteads, to a report that a 13-year-old boy had been found hanging.

“He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There were no suspicious circumstances and his family are being supported by police.”

Add your tributes to Declan in the comments section below