TWO communities are mourning the death of a Minehead pupil whose headteacher said “filled his class with laughter.”

Louis Griffiths, 10, from Dunster who died suddenly last week, attended Minehead Middle School.

Headteacher, Paul Rushforth described Louis as “a well-liked and very able pupil.”

He added: “Louis had a great sense of humour and filled his class with laughter. He excelled at football and enjoyed an important role of the Hobby Horse celebrations which take place in Minehead.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. We will continue to offer support to the family, staff and pupils within our community, and myself and Louis’ form tutors will represent Minehead Middle School staff at his funeral on Friday.”

Peter Hoyland, head teacher at Dunster First School where Louis attended for five years from September 2008 until July 2013, said the town was “in deep shock”.

He said he remembered the youngster’s “ever-present smile” adding the entire school’s thoughts were with the Griffith family.

“As a school we have many, many fond memories of Louis from the five happy years he spent with us and will always remember his love of sport, his excellent work in mathematics and his willingness to have a go at everything that our school had to offer him, from the challenges of the Year 4 residential trip to Pinkery to the way that he worked so hard to attain his Bronze Music Medal in recorders.

“However above all of these we will never forget his kindness to others, his friendliness, his politeness and above all else his ever present smile.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the Griffiths’ family as they come to terms with the loss of their wonderful son and brother.”

Staff, pupils and parents from both schools will fill St George’s Church in Dunster tomorrow (Friday) where Rector Caroline Ralph will conduct the funeral service.

“It is a desperately sad time for the family,” she added.

“I have spoken to people in Dunster and Minehead and they are all so shocked and feel such sadness for the family. Like me, they want to offer their prayers and thoughts for the family.”