PUPILS and staff at a comprehensive school are feeling shock after the sudden death of one of their classmates.

Lawrence Hammond, who would have celebrated his twelfth birthday next month, died after an accident involving a Volvo T5 estate on Rawdon Road in Horsforth last Wednesday at 8.35am.

The 11-year-old was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with severe injuries and died in hospital later that day.

Lawrence was the son of Mr and Mrs Peter Hammond of Horsforth. He was a pupil at St Mary's Comprehensive School in Menston,

Headteacher Michael Pyle said: "Lawrence, a highly popular pupil, was known for his radiant smile and was never happier than when he was making other people laugh or he was playing sport.

"He was a keen and talented all-round sportsman. Indeed, such was his sporting prowess that he might well have fulfilled his wish of becoming a professional sportsman.

"He already had an impressive range of cups and trophies to his name."

Lawrence supported Everton FC and played football for Guiseley Dynamos and St Mary's School.

He also played cricket for Horsforth CC, where he excelled at bowling and where last summer he was awarded the title of best cricketer of the year.

The former pupil of St Mary's Primary School in Horsforth, was also a fine runner and played hockey too.

Mr Pyle added that Lawrence was generally making excellent progress at St Mary's and had been praised by staff for his intelligence and industry. He was an avid reader and had recently won an RE prize.

"Two months ago, he had described his first day at secondary school as the best day of his life," added Mr Pyle.

"His classmates, quick to organise the cards and tributes to Lawrence that have flooded into the school, have been equally prompt to praise his kind and generous character and his cheerful personality."

He leaves behind two sisters, Catherine and Sarah.

An inquest into Lawrence's death was opened and adjourned at Leeds Coroners Court on Tuesday.

The court heard that Lawrence, who had no history of illness, was at a

pedestrian crossing on the A65 Rawdon Road at around 8.30am on Wednesday when he was in collision with a Volvo 850 estate travelling along the road at the time.

The funeral was due to be held yesterday at St Mary's Church, Broadgate Lane in Horsforth.