HEALTH bosses have moved to allay fears after a ten-year-old boy died suddenly from a rare form of meningitis.

William Cressey, of Hurworth Place, near Darlington, died on Tuesday night from a non-infectious form of the illness.

Yesterday, his headteacher paid tribute to a child she described as "a lovely boy with a warm smile".

Croft Church of England Primary School and the Health Protection Agency sent letters to every parent at the school reassuring them that the illness was caused by a bacteria which rarely causes meningitis in children of William's age.

The letter, from Louise Coole, consultant in communicable disease control, said: "Other children in the school are not at risk as a result of this.

"No further public health action is necessary at this present time."

Headteacher Brenda Higgins said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with William and his family and friends at this very sad time.

"William was a lovely boy with a very warm smile. He enjoyed playing rugby and football and was very good at maths and design technology. He was very well liked by everyone in the school, both staff and pupils. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

"We will be holding a service in his memory before the end of term and we are already discussing a lasting memorial for such a loveable youngster."

She sent a letter home to parents on Thursday, which read: "We received some bad news yesterday. William Cressey, year 6, passed away on Tuesday evening in hospital following a short illness.

"Children were told in school this morning. If your child is worried or upset, please do not hesitate to contact their class teacher or me. The local education authority can assist with counselling should you feel it is necessary.

"The children have suggested various ways of remembering William and we will hold a service in school in memory of him before the end of term."

A spokesman for the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "This is a tragic case and we offer our deepest sympathies to the Cressey family."

* For advice about meningitis, call the Meningitis Helpline on 0808 800 3344.