POIGNANT tributes are helping the classmates of little Anton Fox come to terms with his tragic death.Their words and drawings show what Anton meant to them and how this fun-loving and endearing character touched their lives.

By Amanda Cresswell

POIGNANT tributes are helping the classmates of little Anton Fox come to terms with his tragic death.

Their words and drawings show what Anton meant to them and how this fun-loving and endearing character touched their lives.

Anton died when fire broke out in the bedroom of his home in Marlow Road, Ipswich.

He was just seven years old. And for his school pals who grieve so much for him he will always be remembered as a seven-year-old, fun-loving and lovely boy who wanted to grow up and be a policeman.

Anton was for them a true character, a great friend who always made them laugh.

Touched by his death the Handford Hall pupils wrote words and poems to commemorate Anton's life.

All 24 pupils in his class created a table of remembrance adorned with flowers and photos of their friend and a book sharing their memories which will be given to his parents.

One classmate wrote: "I will always remember you. Never was disliked. The best friend you can get. Often polite. Now we will all miss you."

Others told of his love of writing, the jokes he told and his gift of spelling.

Another wrote: "He was a nice boy. He used to be funny in PE. He was helpful to everyone."

A bronze badge – an award for good behaviour – was left on the table by a pupil who wanted to give it in tribute believing Anton would have won it had he lived.

Headteacher Shelagh Cohen, said of Anton: "What really stands out about what his classmates say is that he told a really good joke.

"It is reassuring to hear that the children have such kind and positive memories of him.

"I think we were all really touched by their comments. It is probably the best writing they have ever done."

The table will be used in a special assembly to commemorate Anton's life next Friday , the day of his funeral.

The fire is thought to have started from an electric heater in the room used to keep the youngster warm.

Meanwhile people in the community have rallied round to donate clothes and household goods to his family which includes Anton's brothers and sisters Joseph, eight, Tamara, five, Brendon, four, and Star, two who are recovering at their grandmother's home in Ulster Avenue.