A former Gillingham FC youth squad player found dead in the bedroom of his home last weekend had his sights set on a place at arts school.

Jack Maddams, a former Gillingham FC Youth squad player, died in his sleep on Sunday. He would have celebrated his 18th birthday on Tuesday, next week, now the date of his funeral.

Doctors have so far drawn a blank on the cause of death, with a post mortem proving inconclusive. An inquest has been opened and adjourned

The youngster had developed a real talent for art in his A-level studies at Rochester Math School and had hoped to win a place at the University College for the Creative Arts.

One of his paintings, a self portrait, is on show in the school's reception area of Rochester Math School. Jack was set to be awarded a governor's prize on Monday for his portrait of Keith Williamson, the school long-serving head teacher who retired last month.

For the full story see Friday's print edition of the Medway Messenger