School pupils applaud shot Rhys

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Emotions were running high at Broad Square Primary School in Norris Green, Liverpool, where Rhys - only 11 when his life was ended by a teenage gunman - was educated.

Rather than mark the boy's life with a sombre minute's silence, the decision was taken to celebrate him with a round of applause.

His former headteacher, Elaine Spencer, announced that Broad Square's new playground will be named in Rhys' honour. And she added that a planned football tournament will be named the Rhys Jones Trophy - marking the Everton fan's love of football.

Mrs Spencer said: "Although Rhys' classmates have moved on to secondary school, there are many younger pupils who knew him as their friend. And, of course, our staff have been devastated by this news. All of us are still trying to come to terms with this senseless murder, and the start of the new school term will be filled with sadness."

She added: "We will also ask Rhys' parents to help us identify an appropriate charity for a huge, whole-school fundraising campaign as a way of remembering Rhys' life."

Preparations for Rhys' funeral are under way. The service will take place on Thursday at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral before up to 1,000 mourners.

Rhys' parents, Melanie, 41, and Stephen, 44, have issued a public invitation for well-wishers to attend the service.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "The service will be a celebration of Rhys' life and his family have asked that bright clothes, or football strips, should be worn."

Rhys was shot through the neck as he walked home from football practice on August 22.