STAFF and students paid tribute to a “very special and courageous” classmate with a poignant day of skullduggery at St Mary’s Primary School in Credenhill.

Teachers, children and parents climbed aboard a brand new pirate ship built in memory of Jack Darlington, who lost his battle with leukemia this May, aged five.

The “Captain Jack” also received a special blessing from Rev Angie Deane, before Jack’s mum Mel officially opened an all-new play area created in her son’s name.

*For the full story see today's Hereford Times.