Adam Sharpe, aged 15, of Chapel Brampton, raised hundreds of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and helped other children to cope with their treatment, even when he was very ill himself.

Jayne Sharpe, Adam's mother said: "When Adam died there was a lot of money raised in his memory for the Teenage Cancer Trust. They wanted some sort of permanent reminder of Adam and I think the bench is a wonderful idea, especially the plaque on it which says he was an inspiration to us all.

"In respect of his illness he was an inspiration. He never complained, he always hoped and believed to the very end that he would be cured. He always had a smile on his face and liked a giggle.

"We feel very honoured about the bench. It was a very special thing to do."

Adam died on July 14, 2007 but the fund-rasing work for the Teenage Cancer Trust has continued at the school and a cheque for £671 was presented to the charity to celebrate the unveiling of the bench.

Jayne said: "The bench is on the terrace outside the library, which is a really nice setting. Adam would have liked the fact it is a nice quiet site for the bench to be in."

John Wilson, Adam's tutor at Kingsthorpe, said: "I think the bench is a wonderful tribute to Adam and will last a long time. We are very pleased with the tribute and thought it was fitting.

"Adam was an inspiration and we are continuing the fund-raisng for the Teenage Cancer Trust."

Adam's mum and tutor as well as his sister Danielle, his dad Jerry and his friends, Kirsty Sharpe and Emma Fowkes, were all at the official unveiling of the bench, which took place on Tuesday, July 22.