Boy's burial news has brought peace, says mother

A book of condolence has been set up in St Mary and St Eanswythe church in Folkestone

The mother of a young boy killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash has said seeing in the new year knowing where she can bury him has brought her peace.

Laura Brown, from Folkestone, appealed directly to the King for permission to bury her son in an ancient graveyard in the town.

On hearing it had been granted, Ms Brown said she felt "a sliver of hope" and "at peace".

William, seven, was struck on Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone on 6 December.

Ms Brown said they had "seven wonderful years" with their "beautiful boy"

Ms Brown told BBC South East: "It just felt amazing - that we can see the new year in knowing we can bury William; I don't think we could ask for anything more.

"Even though it has been the saddest time, I just felt a slither of hope; I felt at peace knowing that William could be laid to rest here."

The church, St Mary and St Eanswythe, which is next to William's school, had been closed to new burials since 1855.

However, monarchs have the power to grant "burial ground variation orders".

William's funeral will be held in Folkestone on 13 January

Ms Brown said the funeral, on 13 January, would be a time to "celebrate" William's life.

"We want to remember what a wonderful, beautiful boy he was," she said.

Paying tribute to him, she added: "We had seven wonderful years.

"It's been a privilege and an honour to have William as my son.

"He is going to be greatly missed, but the memories will shine through forever."

A 49-year-old man arrested after the crash has been bailed until March pending further inquiries, according to Kent Police.