CLASSMATES of a bright schoolboy who collapsed and died during an exam will pay tribute to him today.

Leslie Pilkington collapsed during a SATs maths test at Shield Row Primary School, Stanley, County Durham, in May, and died shortly afterwards.

Friends and schoolmates from year six will release balloons in his memory, each bearing a personal message.

Headteacher Eric Patterson said: "We've asked the pupils to tie messages onto their balloons and I shall be doing the same.

"Leslie gained a bronze certificate in our personal development awards, but died before he could be told.

"I'll be tying it to a couple of balloons, just to let God know that Leslie is a young man worth having."

Leslie, of Spen Street, Stanley, would have been taking part in the year six final assembly today, as the class bids farewell to the school and moves on to secondary education.

Mr Patterson, said it was a tradition for pupils to stage a final assembly where they could say their goodbyes.

He said: "Leslie was a year six pupil and would have been joining them on Friday.

"I've no doubt some of the pupils will be recalling memories of him."

Parents and other pupils at the school will be taking part in the balloon release, on the school playing field, at about 2.15pm.

An inquest into Leslie's death is due to be held at County Hall, Durham, on Wednesday, August 25.