Thanksgiving service for hit-and-run crash victim

The ceremony for Theo Hixon-Denton, which will only be attended by his family and close friends, will take place at the East Chapel of Southampton Crematorium.

Eleven-year-old Theo died from head injuries after he was in collision with a car close to a recreation ground in Sholing where he had been skateboarding with friends.

A public memorial service in thanksgiving of Theo's life will be held at Peartree Church in Bitterne following the funeral.

The death of the first-year pupil at Woolston School Language College, sent shockwaves throughout the community with hundreds of messages of support from teachers, friends and schoolmates posted on the Daily Echo website.

In a statement Theo's mum Julia Hixon, and his elder sister Lydia and brother Louis said they were devastated by his death.

"Theodore was a very much loved son, brother and grandson. He was a very happy and mischievous eleven-year-old. At the moment we don't know how we will manage without him. Our hearts are broken."

Acting head teacher of Woolston School Language College Bernadette Hanly also paid tribute to the popular youngster. She said: "The students and staff are devastated at the loss of our friend and pupil Theo."

She added that the school community was "in shock" and pupils who were close to Theo, a former pupil of Ludlow Infant and Junior School, had all been offered bereavement counselling.

Mrs Hanly said: "We all remember Theo as a boy who was full of fun and enjoyed life. He liked to joke and make others laugh. His tutor group say he was a lovely member of the class who will be greatly missed."

Instead of flowers his family are asking anyone who would like to leave tributes to make donations to the paediatrics department of Southampton University Hospitals Trust. Donations can be made through Jonathan Terry Independent Funeral Directors, in Peartree Avenue, Bitterne.

The service of thanksgiving for Theo starts at 4pm in Peartree Green, Bitterne.