TRIBUTES have been paid to a “wonderful” sports-mad schoolboy who died suddenly last week.

After the shock death of ten-year-old Angus Hardie, his headteacher has spoken to the Echo about the model pupil.

Angus was rushed to Southend-hospital.co.uk" target="_blank">Southend Hospital on Saturday, October 3, after being taken ill at his home in Bramerton Road, Hockley.

He was later transferred to specialist children’s hospital Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where he passed away on Tuesday.

His grieving parents, his twin brother, Ewan, and 14-year-old brother Glenn, still do not know what caused his death and are awaiting the results of tests.

On Friday his parents, Donna and Robert Hardie, were said to be too distressed to talk about their beloved son.

But Ian Barton headteacher of Plumberow Primary School, which Angus attended with his twin brother, paid a glowing tribute to him.

He described Angus as a popular and bright pupil who was enthusiastic about all he did.

Mr Barton said: “Angus was a wonderful Year 6 pupil, full of energy and enthusiasm with a strong interest in sport.

“He was liked immensely by all of the teachers who taught him and other staff who worked with him during his time at Plumberow.

“He behaved impeccably and was a real credit to his family and our school.

“Angus will be sorely missed by all of the staff, parents and most importantly, his family.”

The school has worked hard to comfort Angus’s friends and to help teachers and other pupils who have been left shocked at the death of the youngster.

Angus was believed to have suffered a fall and hurt his leg before being taken ill, but it is unclear whether this had any bearing on his subsequent illness.

Joy Hale, spokesman for Essex Ambulance Service, said: “We were called out on Saturday at 10.50pm.

“A boy was conscious and breathing but was quite sick. He was taken to Southend Hospital and later transferred to Great Ormond Street when his condition deteriorated.”

A post mortem examination has not yet been carried out, so no date for an inquest has been set.