A popular trainee brick layer who died at Christmas has been honoured by his former course mates with a fitting tribute in the grounds of his former school.

The family of Sam Hasler gathered at Attleborough High School today where a brick flower bed and bench was unveiled in his memory.

The structure, which will be one of the main features in the school's new nature garden, was constructed by four students from the brick laying course at City College, Norwich, which Sam was attending.

The 18-year-old, of Hammond Way, Attleborough, died on December 27 in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after suddenly contracting bronchopneumonia and sepsis.

After seeing the completed memorial, his mother Kerry Hasler said his friends had 'done him proud'.

She said: 'When we knew they were doing this for Sam it was lovely and then to hear they were coming from City College, well I can't describe it in words. It is just so fitting for his mates to come and do it.'

City College lecturer Justin Kirkwood said it was an honour to create something for Sam, whose sudden loss had left his fellow students in shock.

'He was a good lad, who used to get on with his work. He was going to be a good brick layer,' he added.

Neil McShane, headteacher of Attleborough High, which had requested the memorial, thanked staff and students at City College for helping the school pay tribute to its 'much loved' former pupil.