The mum of eight-year-old Joshua Slater has made a touching tribute to her son, who was killed after being struck by a car, describing him as a 'bundle of joy’.

Kirsty Slater has described how her son was "always smiling" and how he always "lit up the room".

Tragically he died after he was struck by a Land Rover at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, last week.

The Northern Echo: Joshua Slater and his mum Kirsty

His mum wanted to thank all the emergency services who attended on the night and the local community for all their kind words.

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Kirsty said: "He was a bundle of joy, who was always smiling and always lit up the room. 

"He loved everyone in his life, his family, and his friends, he loved music and motorbikes and football, he was a proud Chelsea fan. 

"Joshua was kind and caring and loved with every part of his soul, especially his mum, we were best mates."

A fundraiser organised by members of the Catterick Garrison community has raised £25,000 in support of the family.

Around 1,300 people have donated to help Joshua's family.

Touching messages and flowers have been left outside the family home by many in the community.

Joshua was a Year 3 pupil at Cambrai Primary School, in Catterick, which is part of the Lingfield Education Trust.

Joshua's headteacher, Mark Dent, said: "Joshua was a shining light of love, friendship and fun within our school family.

"We are heartbroken to know that we will never see his smile, or hear his giggles again, but our memories of him will never fade.

"The trust is working with the school to support all members of the school community through these difficult few days and into the future."

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"Our school community will come together during this sad time to support each other, his family and friends. He will always be part of Cambrai."

Nick Blackburn, Chief Executive of the Lingfield Education Trust, added: "We offer our sincere condolences and love to Joshua’s family at this difficult time.

"The trust is working with the school to support all members of the school community through these difficult few days and into the future."

The driver of the Land Rover is helping police with inquiries.