STUDENTS and their teachers have said a final farewell to their classmate who tragically died in a crash.

Freddie Coleman, 15, was involved in a road collision while waiting for his bus to Mayflower High School, in Billericay.

Since his death in neighbouring village Stock, the school community has pulled together to support each other as they come to terms with what has happened.

Pupils have been supported by various professional counsellors and therapists, taking time out of lessons as and when they need it to gather their thoughts and talk.

School Pastors, uniformed volunteers from the Schools Ministry in Billericay who have a long-standing relationship with the school, have also devoted their time to being on site each day to give young people an outlet anytime they need it.

Phil Norton, chair of trustees for Billericay and Basildon Street, School, Rail Pastors, said: “Due to our ongoing trusted relationship with Mayflower, it means that in times of crisis we are available to support the pastoral work that the school already has.

“We deployed several volunteers into school and supported the staff in offering time and a listening ear in several places designated within the premises. We also deployed our gazebo outside the school gate where flowers were brought and laid in memory.

“We continued to support the school in the build up to the funeral and we will link in where we are asked to help.”

Friends of Freddie’s, as well as his headteacher, form tutor and teachers, attended his funeral on Friday, while the rest of the school lined the procession as it passed to pay their respects.

The school is also planning to place a plaque in their memorial garden to remember Freddie.

Damian Lee, headteacher, added: “Our students have been amazing in how they have really looked out for one another and supported their friends through what has been such a difficult time.

“We have included students in all decisions, such as where to place flowers, and we will continue working with them to provide a suitable memorial for Freddie.

“We will place a plaque in our memorial garden and decide on what else to do as part of Year 11’s leaving plan. It is about doing things at the right time over the course of the coming year.”