Schoolchildren spent 12 hours playing basketball to raise money for the air ambulance in tribute to their friend who tragically died.

Burgess Hill Academy students successfully completed the tournament in memory of 15-year-old schoolboy Bradley Payne who died in December last year.

Year 10 students raised hundreds of pounds for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Service who airlifted Bradley to hospital in Southampton.

Basketball players were sponsored to take part in the tournament that lasted from 7am to 7pm, while charity wristbands and car stickers were also sold to raise cash.

By the time The Argus visited the academy in Station Road the students had already met their £600 target.

Bradley’s girlfriend, Rebecca Mummery, 14, said: “Bradley is probably jealous of us doing this tournament right now.”

A book of remembrance was given containing messages from students and staff which was given to Bradley’s parents.

Bradley’s mum, Amanda Payne, said: “We are very proud of the students for organising the event as well as Burgess Hill Academy for allowing it to happen.”

Money has also been put aside to buy a basketball shirt with Bradley Payne’s name on it to be framed and put up in the academy, as well as a tree planted with a plaque in his memory.

Year 10 pupil Bradley, who was a keen basketball player and played for a local team, died on Tuesday, December 12 2017.

His family believe his death was caused by a form of septicaemia following a basketball injury, however the post mortem was inconclusive.

Head of Year 10 Kath McIver said: “Bradley was a popular student at the school and for our students to honour his interest in sport in this way is touching and very fitting.

“The students who knew Bradley well have really embraced this opportunity to organise the event, which we hope will raise a lot of money for this very worthwhile cause and it means a lot to the school that Bradley’s friends have chosen this way to remember him.

“I am a very proud head of year.”