A DRIVER has admitted responsibility for the death of a seven-year-old boy who was killed after stepping off a bus.

Nathan Smith died after being hit by a Peugeot 206 van on the High Street in Boosbeck, east Cleveland, in November 2013.

Steven Jackman, from nearby Carlin How, was due to go on trial next week accused of causing death by careless driving.

At Teesside Crown Court on  Thursday, he admitted an alternative count of causing death by driving while uninsured.

The case was adjourned by Judge Peter Armstrong so background reports can be prepared for the 23-year-old driver.

The judge told him: "All options will be open to the court. The sentencing judge will need some assistance."

Jackman, of Coronation Street, Carlin How, was supported by friends and family in the court's public gallery.

Devastated relatives of tragic Nathan were also in court to hear Jackman plead guilty to the charge.

After his death, moving tributes were paid to the youngster - who was described as a boy who was "loved by everyone".

His mother Kelly said: “Nathan was a beautiful, happy, cute little boy, who was always very full of life.

"He was very bright and loved going to school. He adored all his family, friends and teachers and got along with all the people he knew and will be very sadly missed. He was loved by everyone who knew him, his friends, family and teachers.”

The youngster was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough following the collision, and died a short time later from his injuries.

Ms Smith’s former partner, Alan Stiff, said Nathan was one of the "happiest" children he had ever met.

“I always called him ‘little man’,” said Mr Stiff, known as Bunty. “I will miss everything about him, his gorgeous cheeky smile, his sense of humour and most of all his presence."

In a statement, Braden Smith, nine, and Ryan Swales, 15, said they would miss their little brother “terribly”.

“What we shall miss most of all is having you around to play football with, and also you making things, that you always loved to do,” they said.

Braden added his own personal message in the statement which was issued through Cleveland Police.

“He used to like to make things out of cardboard boxes and plastic bottles and he used to like colouring,” he wrote.

Nathan had stepped off the bus with his mother and one of his brothers when the collision occurred at about 6.40pm near Church Drive.

His mother said her son would "always be loved", and added: “Nathan was a beautiful, happy, cute little boy, who was always very full of life and was loved by everyone," she said.

"He was very bright and loved going to school. He adored all his family, friends and teachers and got along with all the people he knew and will be very sadly missed."

She added: “We as a family would like to say a special thank you to all who paid a special tribute for a special little boy by putting down flowers, teddy bears and cards for Nathan.

Jackman will be sentenced on April 23 once background reports have been compiled by officials from the Probation Service.