PUPILS spent a poignant day remembering two fellow pupils who had died in the last year.

Teachers at St James' School, Oozebooth Terrace, Blackburn, helped to plant memorial trees and held a football competition in memory of Junaid Shaikh, nine, and Fahim Anwa, seven.

Junaid died in October after an asthma attack, and Fahim last June after a lifetime of illness.

Yesterday the school and the boys' families paid tribute to the popular youngsters.

Headteacher Marjorie Owen said: "Junaid was such an enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, and James Cameron, a teacher, thought it would be a good idea to have an annual football match. Mr Cameron and Junaid's father chose the trophy and it has a plaque in memory of Junaid.

"The whole school was shocked about his death, it was completely unexpected.

"Poor Fahim had been ill all his life and we are grateful the school has been able to give Fahim quite a lot of happiness.

"He found life difficult and unfortunately when he was in his final months and weeks it was just when he was beginning to get a lot more pleasure out of living. He was looking forward to coming back to school. The children have said it's sad but it's good to remember them." Prayers were said in memory of both boys, and a board has been put up at St James' to remember them.

Fahim was born prematurely and had a liver tumour which required a transplant in 2000. He suffered a fall more recently and then kidney failure, then heart failure.

He lived with his family on East Park Road, including brother Yasin, 21, sister Farzana, 17, dad Anwar Baghdadi and mum Hamida.

Farzana said: "He will always be in our hearts. He's our little hero. He was a true champion."

Junaid died after suffering an asthma attack. His sister Nafisa, seven, also attends St James'.

Dad Nazir Shaikh said: "We have had tremendous family and friend support and that has helped a lot."