FRIENDS and family of 16-year-old Michael Chapman, who died after being attacked as he walked across a cricket ground, have unveiled a memorial at his former school.

A bench donated by Eddie Stobart Ltd, where Michael’s father Lloyd works as a lorry driver, and a silver birch tree, bought with school funds, have been placed in the grounds of Westlands School, Westlands Avenue, Sittingbourne.

The youngster died on June 16 after being attacked as he crossed Gore Court Cricket Ground.

Head teacher Jon Whitcombe said: "We are all obviously very sad for the family, the pupils came up with the idea of the tree and Michael’s family are welcome to visit the school any time they like."

Michael’s mother Sue said: "We’re all still living in a strange world of disbelief but it is very, very hard so we all just have to get through one day at a time."

Lee Cowie, 18, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, and a 16-year-old from Sittingbourne, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are due to enter pleas at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday on charges of murder.