THE family of a 12-year-old killed when he was in a collision with a car while riding his bike today paid tribute to a boy with an ''infectious sense of humour''.

Steven Atkinson had beaten cancer and overcome several disabilities to find a love for life.

He had been born with a cleft palate, jaw defect, curvature of the spine, deafness in one ear and an eye that could not move.

Today, his heartbroken family paid tribute to a little boy who in his short years had shown courage beyond his years in battling adversity.

''Steven was put on this earth to show others how to live,'' they said in a statement.

''He overcame so much in his short lifetime and still kept on smiling. He still lived life to the full and didn't let anything hold him back.

''It was his fighting spirit which helped him recover and defy doctors when his illness brought him down. He had been in remission for seven years.

''Steven was always happiest when he had his family and friends around him. He loved life and was fun to be around.

''His infectious sense of humour and positivity made him popular with all who knew him.''

Steven, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, was in collision with a black Mini at around 8.45pm on Saturday, on the A183 Chester Road.

He was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The former Grindon Broadway Junior School pupil has recently started at secondary school and was a keen supporter of Sunderland and loved anything to do with football.

''Outside of school, he was always playing football, interested in boxing or wrestling and trampolining - any activity which he'd been advised not to do because of his illnesses he was determined to have a go at,'' his family said.

''That was his nature, determined to prove everyone wrong.

''Steven showed so much courage and bravery in his life, to be taken from us like this is just unbearable and nothing can describe the terrible grief we feel now.

''How can we offer comfort to his friends when we can't even find comfort for ourselves?''

Hundreds of friends have posted messages on Facebook in memory of Steven.

Northumbria Police said the driver of the Mini was arrested at the scene but was later released on bail pending further inquiries.