Tributes to Newport schoolboy Lewis Smith

Tributes were today paid to a teenager who died after collapsing on playing fields during a PE lesson at a Shropshire school.

Lewis Smith was described as a popular pupil at Burton Borough School in Newport.

He died after being rushed to hospital yesterday.

Headteacher Dave Hill said the 15 year old "lived life to the full". He said: "Lewis Smith was a really lovely student and a wonderful young man.

"He was very mature for his age and very confident."

"He was very positive to all the staff and students. He was an integral part of the Travel to Learn group and all the students involved in that looked up to him.

"He was massively keen on the army and was the main link between the school and the army cadets.

"On Sunday, he was selling poppies in Newport and took part in the town's Remembrance Day parade.

"I am absolutely certain he would have had a fantastic career in the army and he was already showing leadership and management skills.

"He had also just switched from learning the trumpet to the electric guitar.

"Lewis will be very much missed by everyone in the school as he left an indelible mark on everyone he met and spoke to and enjoyed life to the full."

The teenager's Facebook page has been filled with posts from friends left stunned by his death.

Oliver Scott wrote: "Lewis, I still haven't come to terms with all of this. You were a real great guy who just wanted to have friends and be accepted. You didn't deserve any of this, so many people are going to miss you oh so much. You would have been shocked at how many people cried today, I sure was. You will always be in our hearts Lewis."

James Farmer added: "Lewis u have always been a great friend and you never deserved this."

And Harry Kenyon said in tribute: "I'll always remember you playing Sweet Home Alabama and Know Your Enemy in the music block.

"You always said you wanted to be a soldier and I'll never forget your smile."

Ambulance crews were called to Burton Borough at about 9.30am yesterday to find teachers attempting to resuscitate Lewis.

He was rushed to hospital but later died. Pupils were informed of the news at a special assembly yesterday.

By Wayne Beese