School tribute to pool death pupil

A minute's silence in memory of an eight-year-old boy who drowned in Wolverhampton took place at his former school today where news of his death was broken to pupils.

Tributes to tragic Suraj Mall were paid at Villiers Primary School in Bilston by the school's headteacher Sally Lanni, who described him as a "lively character" with lots of personality who always had a smile on his face.

More than 600 pupils and teachers were led in prayer by Rev Chris Thorpe of St Leonard's Church and plans were revealed for a memorial tree to be planted in the school grounds.

The youngster, of Pembroke Avenue, Priestfield, died at Wolverhampton Swimming & Fitness Centre in Wednesfield on February 10 during a family outing after getting into difficulties in the leisure pool.

Staff at the Prouds Lane school held the special assembly on their first morning back after the half-term holiday.

Mrs Lanni said: "This is tragic news and the whole school community is devastated.

"Suraj was a popular member of his class and enjoyed all aspects of school life. He was an extremely pleasant and helpful boy who particularly liked being praised.

"Ge had a lively character with lots of personality and always had a smile on his face. He was especially good at science and maths but enjoyed all of his lessons. Suraj will be missed by everybody."

Mrs Lanni offered condolences to Suraj's family on behalf of the school.

Paramedics and lifeguards tried to save Suraj but he was pronounced dead after being taken to New Cross Hospital on Sunday evening.

The Health & Safety executive and police are investigating and an inquest was opened at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Suraj's mother Lajli Kaur, a 31-year-old postal worker, and his father Nirmal Mall, 40, a landscape gardener, released a moving tribute.

They described their son as "mummy's sunshine and daddy's little helper" and paid tribute to a "very active, bright and intelligent boy who particularly enjoyed reading."