THE family of a Kent boy killed on a school skiing trip attended a special assembly in his memory.

Gary and Hayley Waller's 12-year-old-son, Hayden, died when he fell into a crevasse in the Austrian resort of Mallnitz. It is thought he was trying to save a friend who had also fallen.

Mr and Mrs Waller, along with Hayden's 10-year-old brother, Aaron, attended the assembly on Monday in his memory at The Howard School, Rainham, where Hayden had been a pupil. Many of the pupils wore black ties as a mark of respect.

The assembly was also attended by Canon Alan Vousden of St Margaret's Church, Rainham, and was led by head teacher Paul Morris.

Pupils were asked to hold a period of reflection. A memorial candle was also lit. It will burn until Hayden's funeral.

After the assembly, Mr and Mrs Waller visited an impromptu memorial outside the school to see the hundreds of floral tributes and messages left by friends, fellow pupils and concerned strangers.

Gillingham FC also observed a minute's silence in memory of Hayden before the start of their home match against Huddersfield at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.