A "beloved" teenager who died after being bullied for being autistic is having a special needs school named in his memory.

The former Elliott Park private school on the Isle of Sheppey is being renamed and reopened as The Stefan Taye School by the Autism Apprentice charity this year.

Stefan Taye Kluibenschadl, from Margate, was found hanging but still alive in his bedroom in Margate last year.

He was taken to hospital but died six days later after falling into a coma.

His father, Tristan, explained that his 15-year-old son was being bullied at his Saturday job due to his autism, anxiety and for being different.

Since his death his dad, and his mum, Emma, have been supporting The Autism Apprentice, a charity which advocates, helps and supports autistic children in learning the skills they need to navigate life and to reach their full potential

Tristan said: "The charity has recently had the opportunity to acquire a small school in Sheerness.

"They plan to turn it into a school to cater for autistic children aged 10 to 19 who also have anxiety."

The former Elliott Park school in Marina Drive, Minster, shut without warning in the summer of last year.

At the time, director Stacey Phillips said bosses had "with heavy hearts" reached the "extremely difficult decision" to cease trading.

It was announced that the premises would be brought back into use as a much-needed special needs provision last November.

Sarah Aldridge, operations director at the Autism Apprentice said: "The school is being set up by us and our sister community interest company Autism Apprentice CIC.

"The reason why we wanted to name the school The Stefan Taye School is because of keeping Stefan’s memory alive and making a difference to support future students who attend our school.

"My daughter, a few years ago, attended Laleham Gap with Stefan and I have kept in touch with Stefan’s mum ever since.

"This weekend, friends of Tristan and Emma, plus the Autism Apprentice staff, friends and clients will be volunteering at the school to get the school ready for when we open."

The new school is set to have an open day in February, so this weekend the charity is hosting a "DIY SOS-style" event to get the premises ready for new pupils.

Tristan said: "The Autism Apprentice have been kind enough to name the school after my son in his honour and to help us keep his legacy alive.

"So we are having a DIY SOS-style weekend on January 21 and 22.

"We have volunteers and trades attending to dig, garden, paint, clean, plumb, build etc, to try and get the school ready for an open day in February.

"We are planning another day of action some time before May when they are planning to open."

Tristan is looking for more volunteers that would be willing to help and give some of their time this weekend, or during the next action day during the coming months.

He added: "The school would be grateful for donations of materials should people have connections in the building trade.

"There is also a just giving page should people wish to support the project.

"If anyone feels that they may be able to help in any capacity please contact The Autism Apprentice, I would be delighted to hear from you."