Teenager's infectious smile was cheer to all

Friends and relatives have spoken of Billy's smile which lit up their lives.

Billy was found in his bedroom on March 24 by his mother, Christine, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Mrs Bedford is awaiting the results of a post mortem but it is believed his death was due to natural causes.

Billy had learning difficulties and had undergone numerous operations on his heart and spine.

Billy, who was born in Maidstone, moved with his mother and stepfather Ed Williams and two sisters to White Street, Market Lavington nearly three years. He also has another sister and brother who live with his father.

Billy attended Larkrise School in Trowbridge, where he was a popular pupil.

Mark Armstrong, assistant head teacher at Larkrise, said Billy enjoyed academic, vocational and independence studies and had also attended a successful residential visit to Bilbao in Spain.

Mr Armstrong said: "Staff and students knew Billy as a conscientious, trustworthy student who achieved a great deal in his relatively short time.

"He was voted chair of the student council by his peers, which was a reflection of how highly he was thought of by his many friends.

"When remembering him, students and staff said he was a gentleman and always ready to help anybody.

"He was ever ready for a joke and had a very wry sense of humour. He put his heart into everything he attempted, ready to accept his many successes with humility.

"However, his most mentioned trait was his infectious smile that brightened the school day and cheered everybody he met. He will be very sadly missed by all his friends at Larkrise School."

Billy also attended the Bridging Project for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties at the Southbroom Youth Centre.

Mrs Bedford said she had been inundated with tributes. She said: "Everybody who knew Billy loved him."

The funeral service is tomorrow at 5pm at St Mary's Church, Market Lavington. Donations to Larkrise School, Trowbridge.