A NORTH-EAST street fell silent this morning in a touching tribute to Danny Wake, who died a year ago today.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects at the site where the three-year-old was hit by a vehicle in Darlington on November 4 last year.

At 10.35am, the junction of Neasham Road and Falmer Road fell silent as mourners held a two minute silence before erupting into cheers and applause as his younger brother, Georgie, and cousin, Billy Sherlock, released blue balloons in memory of the youngster.

Hundreds of flowers, candles and cards were also laid on the pavement, as well as festive decorations in a tribute to Danny’s love of Christmas.

Hundreds of flowers, candles and cards with messages of support were also laid on the pavement from both close friends of the family, and by strangers who had been touched by the tragedy and wanted to offer their sympathy.

His mother, 25-year-old Kayren Winter, who wore a personalised hoodie bearing a picture of her son, said she wanted to thank the community for their help and support over the past year.

His uncle, Scott Sherlock, added: “The turnout has been brilliant – Danny would have been proud.”

Despite a major police investigation, which saw hundreds of hours of CCTV footage examined and more than 300 homes visited as part of house-to-house enquiries, the driver of the vehicle has still not been traced.

Danny's grandmother, Diane Winter, said: “If anybody who is reading this knows what happened, just come forward to put our minds at rest - let us put everything behind us and just remember Danny.

“Danny would have been very proud of everyone here today and we just want to thank everybody that turned up.”

Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir, who is leading the investigation, said: "One year on from Danny’s tragic death I would like to continue to extend my deepest sympathies to Danny’s family.

“Despite a thorough investigation we have not been able to identify the driver of the vehicle that hit Danny and the inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death.

"Any new information received in relation to the incident will continue to be acted upon.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.