Fond memories were shared at a memorial service yesterday at Elliot School for a student who died last year.

Dayle Ruud Ferdie Thorne died last June a few days before his seventh birthday in Cincinnati, USA.

He suffered from Fanconi anaemia, a rare blood disorder. Dayle would have celebrated his eighth birthday yesterday.

Yesterday his classmates planted a garden at Elliott in his memory. They read memories of Dayle and asked him questions.

Dayle?s mother, Gail Thorne, grandmother, and twin sister Yanna watched the children talk about Dayle and sing for him.

One of Dayle?s best friends and sports competitor, Nazhir Smith-Belboda, said: ?You will always be in my heart. It has been boring without my best, cool, nice friend.

?How is it in heaven? Is it fun to see Jesus?? asked Nazhir. ?Keep me safe and keep yourself safe.?

Dayle?s neighbour and classmate Ashley Usher said: ?I?m writing you this note because I really, really miss you. You were my best friend out of the boys in P.2 and you still are, out of the boys in P.3.?

Ashley shared a fond memory of a Halloween with Dayle?s classmates, family, and teachers.

She said: ?The best part of Halloween was when you were here with us. Like, once you and Yana came to my house with your mom. You were dressed up as Chucky in a vampire suit and Yana was dressed up as a PowerPuff girl. That made me laugh. That was the best Halloween.?

Ashley said: ?I really miss you with all the funny things you did to make me crack up. I really wanted to ask you some questions. How is it in heaven? Can you really see Jesus??

Omari Curtis, another of Dayle?s best friends asked: ?How are you doing up in heaven? Is there football up in heaven??

?I miss dancing Gombeys with you,? he said.

Omari asked: ?Is Jesus taking good care of you? Can you see us from above??

Dayle?s twin sister?s teacher, Sharilyn Shabazz, read a tribute to Dayle.

?As time goes by our memories will always be here, of this sweet little boy, whom we all love and hold so dear,? said Ms Shabazz.

The memorial was held outside next to the newly erected garden with a statue of Jesus in the centre of it.