The classmates of a boy who died have left a heartfelt tribute at the bottom of cliffs. 

Tom Balkham, who was 14, died in Seaford on Thursday, February 29.

Today, Seaford Head School closed at lunchtime before Tom's funeral. Schoolchildren went to the bottom of cliffs and left dozens of bunches of flowers. 

The Argus: A heartfelt message left by the schoolA heartfelt message left by the school (Image: Submitted)

A heartfelt tribute tied to a railing on behalf of the school said: "We cannot begin to find the words to express how saddened we are as a school community by this immeasurable tragedy.

"We as a school will remember Tom for his kindness, his loyalty, his personality and day-changing smile. Tom is, and always will be, an integral member of our school. 

"We all feel privileged to have known him as part of our lives. He will be remembered and missed for ever. 

"All of our love and our thoughts, Seaford Head School."

Bob Ellis, the school's headteacher, said that Tom's family had invited his friends to the funeral today.

The Argus: Bunches of flowers have been left at Seaford HeadBunches of flowers have been left at Seaford Head (Image: Submitted)

In a previous message to parents, Mr Ellis wrote: "Tom was a kind and charismatic young man who always made it his mission to brighten the day of others. Tom will be remembered fondly by his teachers for his infectious personality and his ability to master any work that was put in front of him. He excelled across a range of subjects and quickly grasped difficult concepts. Tom was a popular boy who had a wide circle of friends and made the lives around him richer with his presence.

"He was a lynchpin of the school football team who never missed a game and wore the number 6 shirt with immense pride. At the team’s request and with his family’s blessing, the memorial football match will take place between the Year 8s and Year 9s. 

"Moving forward, there will be a Tom-shaped hole in Year 9 and in the lives of all that knew him. He was and will remain a significant presence in our school community. We will continue to do all we can to continue to honour and celebrate the life of a much-loved young man."

A fundraiser has been launched in Tom's memory and has already reached more than £11,000.