The life of a teenager killed in a suspected hit and run will be celebrated on what would have been his 15th birthday.

Harry Parker was airlifted to hospital after being hit by a car on Friday morning and died later that day.

Tragically for Harry’s family, this was just a days before what would have been his fifteenth birthday, on Wednesday, November 30.

Pupils at Nova Hreod Academy have been encouraged to still celebrate his birthday by both the school and Harry’s family, who told them during an assembly on Monday that they could wear his favourite colours.

An email transcript of what was said during these special assemblies, sent to parents and seen by the Adver, said: “A number of children and staff have already contacted me about what we can do to celebrate Harry’s birthday on Wednesday.

“I spoke with Harry's mum yesterday and she was adamant that Wednesday is Harry's birthday. Having talked it through with her we will be marking the day by wearing red (Harry was a Man Utd fan), blue or yellow which we’ve been told were Harry's favourite colours.”

Some students had brought up the idea of a balloon release, but Kelly Parker, Harry’s mum, and the school have agreed that releasing a high number of balloons wouldn’t be good for the environment and even the biodegradable ones have metal parts that aren’t suitable.

Instead, the school’s House Team are going to be working on a session later in the week and will be holding an act of remembrance.

The school will also be hosting its own area for floral tributes, this is also where the flowers that have been left in the park that the local community have been leaving will be moved to after a few days.

Parents with children at Nova Hreod Academy have praised the school for how it has reacted to Harry’s death, and for the support that it has put in place for those who were close to him, but also all of the students at the school who might have been affected.

Teachers have been instructed to keep an eye out for any signs that pupils may be struggling, the school has stopped issuing detentions for those who aren't able to complete their homework and a room has been set aside with a chaplin for students to go to and talk to someone.