Book of condolence opens for river death boy, 8

Joshua's father said he was "loved by many"

A book of condolence opens on Monday in memory of an eight-year-old boy who died after being pulled from a river.

Joshua Hillstead, from Maypole, Birmingham, died in hospital on Tuesday 23 July, after reportedly falling into the River Arrow in Alcester, Warwickshire.

The book is on display at St Mary's Church in Wythall, Worcestershire, the village where Joshua went to school.

"It's an opportunity to express our sadness but support for the family," said the Reverend Amanda Featherstone.

"I think what people can often need at a time like this is a space," she told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

The church is on the same site as Coppice Primary School, which Joshua attended.

He was just days away from turning nine, and was described by his father as a "cheeky chappy" who was "loved by so many".

Ms Featherstone said: "Come along and you can write in the book, or not in the book, as you wish.

"We'd really encourage people to come as families, and give children the opportunity, even if it's to draw a little picture in the condolence book."

She added: "Grief affects us all, and it's important for people of any age to try and process that."

She added that the book would be taken to the school in September, so that people who may have been on holiday could also write messages.