Touching tributes have been paid to a Lowestoft teenager, who died aged just 15 on Saturday night after a brave fight against brain and spinal cancer.

Rory Davies was diagnosed with cancer in February 2010, but after a long battle with the disease he was given the best Christmas gift possible as a scan showed the disease was 'inactive'. Last month however, Rory and his family were dealt a body-blow as a further scan showed the cancer had returned and there was no other treatment available.

In a message posted on Facebook on Sunday, The Davies family said: 'Our beautiful boy passed away peacefully last night , with his family by his side. He is now free of his battered body and spreading love and happiness elsewhere. We could not be prouder of him and we will carry him in our hearts forever. We thank you all for your support and good wishes.'

Since this announcement, hundreds of poignant messages in tribute to Rory have been left on the social networking site. The 'Rory Davies appreciation page! Lowestoft's Hero we love you' group has also been set-up - with more than 800 members joining within the space of a day.

Brave, a hero, an inspiration, a legend - they are just some of the poignant messages posted showing the strength of feeling for this popular youngster.

As previously reported in the EDP, Rory's dad Andy Davies has been planning a special fundraiser for June this year: as he looks to tackle the Three Peaks (Snowdon, in Wales, Ben Nevis, in Scotland and Scafell Pike, in England) and raise a minimum of �5,000 towards a new teenage cancer unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge - the hospital that treated Rory.

Just last week Mr Davies received a cheque for more than �2,000 to boost his charity pledge towards completing the infamous Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours or less. A fortnight ago Benjamin Britten High School held two special sell-out fundraising gigs to raise further funds for this worthy cause, with Rory Davies wristbands specially made in his honour.

And this evening (Wednesday) , a charity football match for the charity fund was set to take place at Walmer Road - the home of Kirkley and Pakefield FC - between Rory's former schoolmates from year 10 and year 11 at the school in Blyford Road.