A TEENAGER died playing football only hours after receiving news of a hospital appointment for an operation on a leaking heart valve, it was revealed last night.

Anthony Wilkinson, 15, was playing with friends at Grangetown Park, in Middlesbrough, on Tuesday when he suffered a heart attack.

Only that morning, he had received a letter from Newcastle's Freeman Hospital setting a date next month for an operation.

The teenager of St Patrick's Road, Grangetown, was born with a heart condition. But Anthony's latest complication was diagnosed only recently.

He died despite the frantic efforts of onlookers to revive him.

The Gillbrook Technology College pupil had helped plan this year's Musical Picnic in the Park, due to be held in Grangetown Park on Sunday.

The event will now be turned into a tribute to the youngster after his parents, Sharon and Michael, gave the concert their blessing.

Flowers left on the football pitch by mourners will be cordoned off during the concert, and many of Anthony's friends and family are expected to attend.

Les Earl, chairman of the park management committee, said Anthony's death has left people numb.

"His mates are walking around like zombies," he said. "The whole community is devastated. It's a close-knit community anyway, and Anthony's family is well-known. Grangetown people stand together when things like this happen."

Last night, Anthony's parents were comforting his two sisters, Michaela, 12, and Jordon, nine, and brother Michael, six, and were too upset to talk about the tragedy.

But his aunt Dawn Wilkinson said: "I think the concert will be a nice tribute."