TRIBUTES have poured in for a boy who died just days after his ninth birthday.

William Brannon, from Amesbury, died last Thursday, (April 28) – a year after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

William's mum Natalie and dad Mick told the Journal: “I honestly don’t know what to say, it just doesn’t seem real.

“It’s very hard, he was such an inspiration to us. We’re very proud of him. I’m truly broken but, in time, William will come and fix a piece at a time for me, I know he’s still holding my hand and he always will.”

Posting on a private Facebook group, Natalie and Mick wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that our dearest William lost his fight at 1.20am this morning.

“Our baby boy passed away peacefully in our arms surrounded with lots of love, hugs and kisses. Please rest assured, William did not suffer pain, anxiety or fear.”

Others described William as a “brave young man” and a “little fighter”.

Julia Graham posted: “William fought a brave and inspirational battle and it has been a humbling privilege to read his journey here”, while Helen Parslow wrote: “He touched all our lives, a very beautiful soul”.

Warren Jopling added: “He showed more strength in one year than most will show in a lifetime.”

A prom organised by a local children’s entertainment company was due to be held in William’s honour this Saturday but has been cancelled.

When asked about the prom, Natalie said: “We couldn’t ask to live in a better place. The support hasn’t just been financial, we get messages from people we don’t know just sending hugs and thoughts”.

Fundraising had helped the family to go on holidays, including to Florida, and day trips for William in the past year.

Jerome McCormack, head of Christ the King Primary School, said: "William was a cherished member of our school family and the most of everything life had to offer. William’s unique, lively nature and the fact he was an only child makes his untimely death all the more cruel and difficult to comprehend.

“William was a great friend to many of our children and a loving and much treasured son. The whole school family will miss William hugely but we won’t forget him. Christ the King Catholic Primary School is a close knit community and pupils, staff and parents will find it hard to come to terms with the loss of one of our pupils in such sad circumstances. We will work together to support Natalie and Mick in any way we can and to give the children in the school the care and understanding they need as we return to school after the bank holiday weekend.”

Natalie and Mick told the Journal: “I honestly don’t know what to say, it just doesn’t seem real.

"It’s very hard, he was such an inspiration to us. We’re very proud of him.

“I’m truly broken but, in time, William will come and fix a piece at a time for me, I know he’s still holding my hand and he always will.”

William’s funeral will be held today at 4pm at Salisbury Crematorium.