Coddington Primary School's honour to Liam Andrew

Pupils from little Liam Andrew's primary school took the opportunity of Children in Need to honour their friend and classmate.

The 446 pupils at Coddington Primary School were invited to wear the colour yellow on Friday as Liam was a fan of the Minions characters.

They were asked to bring as many one or two pence coins as they and their families could possibly spare to create the longest copper trail in the history of Coddington.

The six-year-old, from Beacon Heights, Newark, died peacefully on November 6 with his family at his bedside.

He was diagnosed with a rare and inoperable form of brain cancer, known as Diffuse Instrinsic Pontine Giloma (DIPG) earlier this year.

Executive headteacher of Coddington C of E Primary School, Jon Brown said: “We were extremely sorry to hear the very sad news about Liam’s death.

"He was such a bright character and literally brought joy and happiness to everyone who met and knew him.

“Liam was loved by staff and pupils alike at the school and we have sent our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family.

"We will never forget him and I know that the children are eager to do some fundraising for Liam - something positive to pay tribute to him and honour his memory.

"Half of the money will go to Children in Need and the other half towards a charity nominated by Liam’s family.

"We’ve been overwhelmed by the messages of condolence and support from the school community for Liam, so we are asking parents if they can please get in touch with us if they would also like to join in the record-breaking attempt.”

The school told pupils about Liam on Tuesday of last week and were taking time to answer some of their questions in the following days.

“Children and staff are bearing up and we are grateful for the excellent support we have received from the county council and the diocese," Mr Brown said.

"We will of course continue to support all of the children throughout this difficult time and access external support where it’s needed."

An iconic red London double-decker bus will be used to head a convoy through Newark to a Service Of Celebration for Liam's life tomorrow.

It will carry his coffin, which will be decorated with a montage of his favourite things, along with close members of his family and friends to the service in The Dome at Kelham Hall and Country Park.

The bus is due to leave Liam's home at 12.30.

A convoy, which will include super cars ­— another of Liam's passions ­— is due to pass Coddington Primary School and then head into Newark and onto Kelham.

People are being invited to join the convoy or to drive straight to Kelham Hall.

The service, which will be conducted by a civil celebrant, is due to start at 1.30. It will feature Liam's favourite music, poems and reminiscences about his life.

Liam touched the hearts of many people in the Newark community, who helped with an appeal to raise money for possible treatments and memorable experiences for him.

Representatives from Nottingham Forest FC, who helped ensure some special memories for Liam, are among those expected to attend.

The family are asking people to wear something yellow, as Liam was a big fan of the Minions characters in the Despicable Me films.

Dad Stuart said they wanted it to be a happy occasion.