Heartbroken mum's tribute to son

A devastated mother has spoken of her grief at losing her son in an horrific road accident near their Staffordshire home.

Thomas William Knight, aged 11, from Chase Terrace, was killed when he was hit by a van and then a car on Stables Way on Monday afternoon. The youngster, a pupil at Fulfen Primary School in Burntwood, was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

His mother Leslie Bougourd said: "Tom was my gift from the moment he came into the world.

"He gave me so much joy and filled our lives."

Tom, a devoted fan of Liverpool Football Club and WWF wrestling, lived in Littleton Way with his mum and his stepdad Darran.

Mrs Bougourd said her son, affectionately known as TK Maxx, made his family laugh every day.

"I'm so proud of the way he was with his family and friends," she said.

"Tom and I had a few years together until Darran came into our lives, and then we became a great, happy family.

"No words can describe my love for my beautiful boy TK Maxx."

Tom's family said he was known for his sense of humour and his love of animals.

The youngster had also recently begun taking golf lessons and had won a golfing competition only last weekend.

Tom's stepfather Darran Bougourd said: "I saw Tom as the son I never had.

"I watched him grow into a loving and caring little boy, and he made our family complete.

"He was so affectionate, he would hug me every day and no words can express the joy he brought to the world."

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the accident, which occurred in Stables Way shortly before 2pm on Monday.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc Jim Churchill at Chasetown station on 08453 302010.