MOURNERS will don red to remember a little boy with a big smile when he is laid to rest on Friday.

Last week, Darlington youngster Mark Hammond passed away following a brave battle with cancer.

The eight-year-old’s funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 12.30pm on Friday, September 8.

His family have asked those attending to don red and have invited people to drop off flowers, ornaments and solar lights with Darlington's Whitehouse Funeral Services ahead of the funeral.

The items will then be used to decorate Mark's grave following the service.

Since Mark's death, Darlington's community has rallied together to show their support for the Hammonds.

Two events at the weekend were held in his honour, with Britain’s Got Talent stars Grace and Ali performing at a fundraising night on Friday that raised more than £700, to be divided between Mark’s family and Alfie Smith, a Hartlepool boy with cerebral palsy.

On Saturday, scores of people gathered close to Eggleston View to release red balloons in memory of brave Branksome boy Mark.

The Hammonds said the church service will be followed by a private ceremony for close friends and family only, with other mourners asked to wait at the church until their return, when refreshments will be served.