A MEMORIAL service was held today (Wednesday) at a Spa school to remember a Droitwich teenager killed in a road accident.

Pupils at Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill, paid tribute to their classmate Josh Simpson after his life was cut short a week ago when he was hit by an articulated lorry on a busy town road.

Speaking to the Advertiser this week, the school's headteacher, Cledwyn-Davies, said he was proud of his pupils since the accident, as they had showed nothing but dignity and respect for the 13-year-old, of Yew Tree Hill.

The accident happened last Wednesday, July 10, at about 1.15pm on the northbound carriageway of the A38 between the A4133 island and the Westlands island. Josh was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Thursday and Friday last week students received professional counselling to help them come to terms with the loss of a boy who was "known to many people throughout the school."

An area of woodland was cleared by the students at the back of the school to allow them to lay flowers, teddies and poems as a tribute to the youngster.

And today they gathered in the theatre at lunchtime where a service was held to remember the student.

The head boy and girl read out poems and tributes which had been written in memory of Josh and the Rev Keith Claringbull, from St Peter's Church, attended to say prayers and a blessing.

Tomorrow a group of his friends will be escorted to St Peter's Church, in Church Lane, Droitwich Spa where his funeral will be held.

Following the service they will return to school where an assembly will be held to remember the popular teenager.

Cledwyn Davies said: "Last week both staff and students were obviously very shocked and upset by Josh's sudden loss.

"We have all been very upset but we have helped each other and I am very proud of how all of the students have showed nothing but dignity and respect during this very difficult time.

"Josh was a credit to his family and a credit to the school.

"He was a likeable student who never caused any trouble and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this time and with his three brothers who were all well-known to the school."

An inquest into Josh's death was opened and adjourned for three months on Monday afternoon, by Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round at County Hall, in Worcester.