PUPILS at Abingdon School have named their new boat in memory of the inspirational Skye Hall.

A ceremony was held on Saturday for the five-year-old boy, who died in 2014 from side effects of his treatment for medulloblastoma, an aggressive and cancerous brain tumour.

Pupils were joined by his father Andrew Hall, who teaches PE at the school, as well as mother Sally and the couple's sons Jesse and Flynn.

In a speech at the school's boat house Mr Hall spoke to the boys about Skye and how he went to the boat house with him two weeks before he was diagnosed.

Speaking afterwards he said: "It goes without saying that Skye is very special to us, but when other people want to acknowledge him and his bravery, we are truly humbled.

"This is a truly beautiful gesture from the boys of Abingdon School Boat Club, and in particular head boy Tom Digby.

"I have always admired the dedicated hardworking approach which the rowers demonstrate in training and when racing.

"Skye demonstrated that same fortitude when fighting his illness."

The charity Blue Skye Thinking was set up by Sally and Andrew in memory of their son and the charity raises money for treatments for children with cancer.

The named boat will make its maiden race next week at National School’s Regatta.