DARREN Baker touched the lives of everybody he met.

The popular Darlington schoolboy, who died last month aged just nine after a short battle with cancer, has left a gaping hole in the lives of family and friends.

Mother Sandra, father Michael and 12-year-old sister Stacey, who live in the Mowden area of the town, are still struggling to come to terms with their loss.

Mrs Baker said: "He always had a smile, even when he was poorly. He has been such a lovely son and we miss him tremendously."

Loved by all his family, Darren had a special bond with his aunt and uncle, Susan and Martin Black, and their 14-year-old daughter Emma.

Darren was held in great affection by all who knew him. The First Darlington Boys Brigade has instigated the Darren Baker Memorial Shield, which will be awarded every year to the best achiever in the junior section.

Leader Peter Waistell said: "Darren was a very popular boy with all the age groups. He always put his heart and soul into everything."

Soccer-mad Darren was an avid Liverpool supporter. He achieved his dream of meeting his idol, World Cup star Michael Owen, on a recent trip to the club.

The Masterskills Soccer Academy, where Darren played football every week, has dedicated three trophies to his memory for the personality of the year in each age group.

Coach Paul Bielby said: "Darren was a remarkable young man. He was always the first one at training and he always had a little story about his week; it was always a happy story."

Anne Ferguson, headteacher at Reid Street Primary School where Darren was a pupil, said: "He was a friend to everyone and I don't ever remember him having a cross word with anybody.

"He was one of those children who took everybody's heart and was very well loved in school.