THE family of ten-year-old boy who died in a tragic woodland accident have spoken of their loss.

Connor Tann was discovered hanging from a tree after becoming entangled in ropes in Hutton Wood, near his home in Boosbeck, east Cleveland, on Saturday evening.

Mystery still surrounds how the youngster became trapped but police are treating the incident as an accident.

It is believed that he was playing with his best friend who was unable to free him and had to run two miles for help.

His mother, Vera Warzecha, is being comforted by relatives and the close, tight knit community it still reeling from the shock.

Today, his heartbroken family issued a statement saying: "Connor filled our hearts with joy and laughter. He was a sunny, bright, enthusiastic little boy with his whole life ahead of him.

"Although our sweet Connor is gone, we will always remember him with love.

"Dear Connor, we all miss you so very much. You will be in our hearts for ever and ever. You mean everything to us and without you, our lives will be without your smiling happy face. Your cheeky grin could light up an entire room.

"You made us laugh Connor, and as much as we all miss you, thats how we will try and always think of you."