LAST Friday, children in high spirits met at the Five Arches bridge to celebrate the start of their holidays.

Last night, a week after the tragedy that shocked the region, there was no joking, no drinking and no antics on the tracks.

Instead, about 30 youngsters stood near each other as they mounted a vigil and stared at the flowers laid in memory, and found comfort in each other as they struggled to comprehend their friends' needless deaths.

Last night, the youngsters were drawn back to the scene to be with one another at the moment, a week ago, that their friends were killed by a train. They met to watch for the train that struck their friends at that time a week before. Minutes after it passed, they were moved on by police.

Since the tragedy, the bridge has become a focal point for hundreds of grieving youngsters stunned by the deaths of their friends.

Throughout the week, there has been an almost non-stop procession of mourners laying flowers, saying silent prayers and shedding tears for their friends.

The deafening rumble of the high-speed trains served as a reminder that the railways should never have become a playground.

Every day, strangers passing along the footpath under the bridge have stopped to read the tributes. None could fail to be moved by the messages, some scribbled, some written in text language, all heartfelt.

One reads: "Boyz if I could turn back time, I would stop you goin ova the arches, if I could. Here's a bit of the England flag from St James' Park, England 2, Azerbaijan 0."

Another says: "Stu, remember all the great times we had. All the laughs and fun fighting me and you did and of course I always won! Ha Ha!

"You were my first love and nothing will ever change this, there will always be a special place in my heart for you only, RIP babes."

"You and Lee keep looking after each other as you always did.

"PS I meant to tell you I have been in trouble again for writing in my maths book."

As each day has passed, more flowers have been placed at the foot of the bridge. By last night, there were more than 200 bunches.

On Saturday morning, after the accident, the children stood clinging to each other, ashen-faced and wiping away tears. But as the days have passed, they have found new ways to express their shock and grief.

Some say they have returned every day. Last night - alongside the flowers, photos and notes -teddy bears, football boots, golf clubs, football shirts, candles and school ties, have been added to the memorial.

A note pinned to the railings over the tracks reads: "You've gone, but you'll never be forgotten. We have been back one week today, see yas later mates."

Another under the bridge: "I will never forget you both, you were propa mint mates. Loved you 2 bits."

On a large school picture of Lee, his parents have written: "To the best son in the world, love you Mam and Dad."