The parents of a seven-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run have issued a plea for their son to be buried in a graveyard which was his “favourite place”, and where he regularly played.

William Brown’s dad said it would be his son’s “last wish” to be laid to rest at the Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe graveyard in Folkestone, and he will dig the plot himself, if he has to.

On Wednesday afternoon, the youngster was knocked down and killed in Sandgate, near Folkestone, while fetching his football.

A 49-year-old man was arrested and has now been released on bail.

In a heartfelt letter, the schoolboy’s dad, also called William, wrote to Damiam Collins, Folkestone and Hythe MP, urging him to help their cause. Meanwhile, a petition has already reached more than 600 signatures.

He explained that William went to St Eanswythe's school and found “peace” at the neighboring site, where he would often go after classes.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council, which owns the ancient burial ground, say no one has been buried there for many years, but it will look into the request. Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Brown said the council will give them an update on Monday. Mr Collins says he has made “urgent inquiries into the matter.”

Mr Brown said in his letter: “After school every day it was a struggle to get him out of the graveyard, collecting conkers and picking wild garlic.

“Our desire is to have William buried within the grounds. William loved digging holes and being a part of the earth, my son told me when he was digging that hole with me he felt safe underground. We need him where he wanted to be.”

The grieving dad added: “I’m really struggling, we all are. I can’t begin to explain the pain. I’m trying to use the energy I have to sort my son the best send off and burial he would have wanted.”

Mr Brown said he was happy to arrange everything himself, going on: “I can arrange and pay for everything even down to the hole, I’ll dig it myself.

“I’m asking you to sort this out for me as a father. This would be William’s last wish. Please speak to whoever you need to and please make this happen.”

In an emotional video, William’s mum, Laura Brown, said the graveyard was his “favourite place”, adding: “It was a place he absolutely loved, close to his school… the children will walk past him every day and be with him, close to his heart.”

Mr Brown was also in the video, and he said it would “bring us peace because we will be able to see him,” with Ms Brown adding: “every day.”

It’s believed the last recorded burial at the church, parts of which date back to the 13 Century, happened in the mid 1800s.

It is understood only Folkestone and Hythe Distrct Council can authorise a burial at the site.

A council spokesman said: “We extend our deepest condolences to William's family and our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.

“St Eanswythe's is a closed churchyard and no burials have taken place there for many years. We are not aware that there is any space available. We will, however, look into this for William's parents and see if their wish could be met.”

Meanwhile, St Mary & St Eanswythe Church is inviting the public to sign their book of condolences at the site, and light a candle in memory of William for the next week during specific hours in the morning. To find the hours, type Saint Eanswythe into Facebook.

In response to the letter, Damian Collins said: “This has been a terrible incident that has touched the whole town. As a father, I cannot begin to imagine how difficult this must be for William Brown Sr. and his family.

“I have made urgent inquiries and am committed to supporting William's family at this distressing time.”

Police say the fatal collision involved two vehicles – a grey Peugeot van and a red Citroen car.

The van left the scene in the direction of Hythe, before the arrival of emergency services.

Medics tried desperately to resuscitate William for 40 minutes but were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man was arrested in Dymchurch on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

He has now been released on bail until March 6.

William’s devastated dad, who had watched on helplessly during the CPR efforts, has since paid tribute to his “gentle” and “wonderful child”.

“He was so excited about Christmas. My boy was a kind and pure soul. There are no other words for it. He was liked by everybody – everybody loved him.

“He was just full of life, laughter, love. He was always smiling. He had so much energy and it was just infectious, the spirit that he brought.”