A SCHOOLBOY who collapsed and died during a kickabout with his friends has been named.

James Cook, from Bishop Auckland, was enjoying a game of football on playing fields belonging to St John’s School and Sixth Form in the town when he became unwell shortly before 7.30pm on Wednesday night.

The Northern Echo:

James Cook has been described as a lovely lad who will be greatly missed

The 12-year-old, who was a year eight pupil at the school, was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance Service but sadly died.

The youngster was a member of St Mary’s Junior Football Club and played for the Under-13s Kings team.

Last night, club members, coaches and supporters joined James’ friends and family to lay flowers and wreaths where he died.

The Northern Echo:

Flowers were laid on the playing fields alongside the football James was playing with before he died

Steve Coulthard, chairman of St Mary’s Juniors, said: “Last night was the most emotional night I have ever had in the 18 years I have been involved with St Mary’s. I found it very hard to speak on behalf of the club. There was more than 150 people there including James’ teammates.

“His family lives near the fields and the sight of them walking away across the fields after the service is a memory that will live with me forever.”

After the service, the club posted a photograph of some of the flowers and the football James was playing with before he died on its Facebook page.

The caption simply said: "1 photo - 0 words. RIP James Cook."

Lisa Byron, headteacher at St John’s School and Sixth Form, said: “Our whole community of St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College is shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of James.

" This is an incredibly sad time for our community and our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with James and his family at this very difficult time.
"James was a lovely, happy and popular member of our Year 8 and he will be greatly missed by all of us.  Those closest to him have spent time in our school chapel, being consoled and comforted by our staff.

"At this sad time we ask that James’ family, friends and our community are given the privacy we need to grieve and to come to terms with our tragic loss.”