MOURNERS at Mitchell McCarthy's funeral will be given a touching keepsake to ensure his memory never fades.

Small photos of the young football fanatic will be handed out to friends and relatives, and posters of him smiling proudly in his kit will be put up at the reception after the funeral.

Five hundred photographs have been printed free of charge by Cats Solutions of Rushey Platt.

Mitchell's aunt Olivia McCann, 30, said: "He adored football, and he's got a great big smile on his face, like he always did.

"We will give one to everyone at the reception. Our family are Irish, and it's a popular tradition in Ireland."

Mitchell, a Goddard Park Primary School pupil, had been due to pick up a prize for achievement from the Swindon Badgers football club the day after the accident.

His parents will also ask everyone to wear a football shirt to the funeral.

Although he was born with Down's Syndrome, Mitchell was determined to live a normal life.

His mum Tina said: "I wanted him to experience everything a little boy his age should.

"This picture says it all, and every picture tells a thousand words."

Mitchell described as a 'little celebrity' will be laid to rest at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Rodbourne Cheney. The date is yet to be set. A collection will be held for the Down Syndrome Association.

Yesterday teachers at his school held a special assembly to remember him.

Headteacher Mike Welsh said: "We said prayers and talked about Mitchell. We also showed off his football trophy from the Swindon Badgers.

"He touched all our hearts, and was a very special character. He had many challenges in life, and everyone was fond of him. In time we intend to celebrate what a loving boy he was."