WHEN pupils return to Redhill Comprehensive School after the long summer holidays, there will be a noticeable absence.

Max Yeatman, who died last week, was a popular teenager who made a big impression on those around him.

Dozens of bunches of flowers have been left next to a football pitch in the school grounds, where the soccer-loving 15-year-old used to play.

Friends are also planning to release blue helium balloons from the same spot on September 8, which would have been Max's 16th birthday.

Among those to have paid tribute to Max is Andrew Burns, headteacher at Redhill Comprehensive.

"It was with shock and great sadness that we learned of Max's death last week," said Mr Burns.

"Max was a very popular and well liked boy who always took the time to help and support those around him. He had many friends who I know will all miss him immensely.

"At the start of next term staff and students will come together to pay our own tributes to him. We all pass on our deepest sympathy to Lorraine Yeatman and the family at this very difficult time."

Max was found collapsed in his bedroom by his mum and brother Conor last Thursday.

An ambulance took him from his home in Arnold to the Queen's Medical Centre, where he died the same day.

As well as his mum Lorraine and brother, Max leaves behind his grandad Derek, 'mama Trish' and 'mama Ray'.

Friend and fellow school pupil Aimee Garratt said: "I'll never forget our fun times we used to have in English or RE and I will miss him so much."

Another friend, Jessica Brookes, said: "Max was one of my best friends. We met at the start of year ten and we were inseparable ever since.

"He had an amazing sense of humour. He would always have me crying with laughter and he was always there when I was feeling low, he never failed to put a smile on my face.

"We could lie on the grass for hours on end just talking, we never needed anything to entertain us. Every lunchtime at school he'd come over with his barbecue crisps and butter cob and give me a massive hug; he was well known for his lovely bear hugs."

Jessica said Max's favourite thing to do was play football on the Redhill pitch and added that he was amazing in goal.

She said: "He was always a little misunderstood and he never believed me when I told him how amazing he was. He was truly a gorgeous person inside and out and I hope he's in a happier place now, I really do. I don't think I told him enough but he pretty much was my everything and I know he'll be looking down on all his family and friends smiling."

Close friend Naomi Watkinson said: "We have been through so much together and I just want to thank you for making my life so special.

"My memories with you will last forever, they will never fade. I remember how I could sit up with you for hours talking about my problems and you would try your hardest to help me and make them disappear."

Before being a pupil at Redhill Comprehensive, Max went to Church Drive Primary School, also in Arnold.

Two of Max's friends, Heather Kirkman and Lauran Novellino, paid tribute together with Heather's mum, Jane Kirkman.

Heather said: "We have all known him for years. He was a really close friend to us all.

"He was such a lovely boy. We miss him dearly."

In their joint tribute, they said: "Rest in peace Max, you mean the world to so many people and you will never be forgotten. You will always be loved and cared about no matter what.

"You have brought so many people closer together. You were always there cheering us all up when we were down and for that we all thank you so much.

"You're an amazing person and you will forever be in our hearts. I guess it's true what they say, God really does take the best people because there's no one better than you.''

A Facebook page, which has been set up in memory of Max, has also been flooded with loving comments and gained hundreds of members.

An inquest is set to open today into Max's death. His funeral service has yet to be arranged.