WELL-WISHERS have inundated the parents of schoolboy Simon Laughland with cards and letters in a moving tribute following his death on a busy road.

Simon, 12, died last Friday while crossing a dual carriageway on the Rawtenstall-Edenfield bypass at Rawtenstall.

His parents Lynne and Bob of Hillside Road, Haslingden, today thanked well-wishers and friends for sending the messages of support

Bob said: "We have been very touched by the things people have written. We have received letters from people we don't know but who have lost their child through similar circumstances and they wanted to support us.

"We were amazed by the number of cards we have received and the postman delivered a load more this morning.

"Every surface in the living room is covered with cards and Simon's head teacher visited us to bring a large card with messages from his school friends."

Simon was with his brother Andrew and a friend when the accident happened. All three attend Haslingden High School where a special assembly was held on Monday

Bob said: "I went to see Simon's primary teachers. They said it didn't matter what he did, he would just look at them with a glint in his eye and they couldn't get angry with him.

"We have had so many people wanting to come to the funeral, the church will be packed."

Simon was due to play for Rossendale Rugby Club on Sunday and a minute's silence was held before the game against Wigan. The children's training and matches were cancelled.

Simon's funeral will be at10am at St Peter's Church, Laneside, Haslingden, before cremation at Accrington at 11am.

Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to any children's charity through the funeral director, E & B Shufflebotham, Rawtenstall.

An inquest into his death was due to be opened today in Burnley.

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