FRIENDS of a determined youngster who died aged just 12 have devoted themselves to fundraising in his honour.

Elliott Robinson, who studied at St Olave's School, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was eight years old.

The much-loved pupil tragically lost his battle in March and since his death, his young friends have been working to raise money for children's cancer charity Candlelighters in his memory.

Elliott's mum, Mia, said the support has been amazing and she is proud to see so many people getting involved.

She said: "Elliott was a big swimmer. He did a little triathlon as part of his physio after he finished chemotherapy which involved swimming and walking and rowing.

"He was determined to get back in the pool and get back to sport. It took a lot of effort but he never complained.

"He was quite laid back and took things in his stride, his big thing was always being outside and playing sport."

In January, Elliott's friend Freddie Brook decided to swim 21 miles to support the charity and was joined by pupils Charlotte and Tom Deniz as well as Elliott's little sister, Clara. The group raised nearly £15,000.

Following their friend's death, students, staff and parents at St Olave's have thrown themselves into fundraising with an Easter Egg hunt, cake sale, silent auctions and other sponsored challenges in Elliott's honour.

Mia, 45, said: "His friends are very young and it's one way of dealing with it.

"Freddie and Elliott knew each other since they were one year old, it has been a big loss for him.

"The school have been brilliant and they continue to be brilliant. The support of the school has been amazing for Clara as well, it has been her safe haven."

Head teacher Andy Falconer, who ran the Greater Manchester Marathon on April 8 to support Candlelighters, said: "The children asked to fundraise in Elliott's memory.

"It's so personal to the kids and I'm sure pupils will come up with some creative fundraising ideas."

A silent auction has been organised to raise money for the charity, with more than 150 lots including spa days, restaurant meals, photoshoots and other treats.

The auction ends on May 6 at 9pm and for more information visit Facebook page Candlelighters Silent Auction in Memory of Elliott.

And a selection of artworks donated by artists from all over the country will go on display at St Peter's School from May 3 as part of the Candlelighters Collection. The pieces will be sold through a silent auction and will also appear on the Facebook page, with bids closing on May 13 at 9pm.