Steven Atkinson's upbeat attitude, which he developed after beating leukaemia and battling other illnesses, made a lasting impression on his family and friends who have been left devastated by his death last month.

The 12-year-old, who was knocked from his bike on Chester Road, was determined to live life to the full after suffering major illness as a child.

Hundreds of mourners, including former Sunderland AFC players, attended his funeral at Sunderland Minster last Friday.

This week, his schoolmates at Sandhill View School made their own tribute to the Black Cats fan, nicknamed "the little man" because of his size.

Headteacher Richard Bain said: "Steven was very popular and many of the pupils were very upset when they heard about his death.

"We have supported them through counselling and many of them attended the funeral where they conducted themselves extremely well.

"The memorial is a chance for those who could not attend the funeral to pay their respects and for the pupils to express their emotions."

As part of the school's tribute to Steven, a portrait of the Ford Estate youngster will be put up at the school.

Steven dealt with much in his short life, overcoming a catalogue of health problems including a cleft palate, Duane's syndrome, which affected the muscles in one of his eyes, and curvature of the spine.

As a toddler, he also faced a three-year course of cancer treatment after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Steven's mum Violet, 37, said she had been overwhelmed by the strength of feeling for her son, whom she has described as "the sunshine of our lives".

Speaking from the family home in Fordham Road, she said: "Many of Steven's friends and classmates have never been to a funeral, so the service is a good way for them to remember him.

"People's response since Steven's death has been tremendous.

"We didn't realise just how many lives he had touched.

A 20-year-old man driving a black Mini was arrested at the scene of the accident on October 17 and has been bailed pending further inquiries.