A SCHOOL has paid an emotional tribute to Hammad Umerji, the oldest of three siblings to die in the devastating house fire.

Hammad, who attended Birtenshaw School in Bromley Cross, died at the age of just 12-years-old.

Simon Greenwood, who was his learning support mentor, penned an emotional poem to him, describing him as determined and independent, while the executive headteacher Julie Barnes said he was a 'larger than life' character.

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His brother Yusuf, aged 10 and sister Khadija, aged five, who also died in the tragic incident were pupils at Brandwood School.

Specialist support services are available to pupils if needed, said Bolton Council.

Birtenshaw School is putting together a special memory book about Hammad, capturing how he touched the lives of people he met.

He had just last week enjoyed a school trip to Chester Zoo, which the school said he had enjoyed.

Mrs Barnes said: "He was a larger than life character, a big character, he was very funny and made us laugh.

"He had big aspirations for the future — he wanted a Mercedes.

"He attended Birtenshaw because he had his own challenges of his own to to overcome, he had a can do mentality, he grasped life."

Mr Greenwood, who has since left the school, wrote a poem to his pupil, who made such an impression on him.

The poem has been shared widely on social media.

He wrote: "I had the honour and the privilege, To get to know a special kid, He'd drive some people crackers, With the mischievous things he did, An awesome sense of humour, Personality enough for two, Independent and determined, There's nothing he couldn't do."

Pupils and staff at Brandwood Primary School in Daubhill, are said to be left devastated by the deaths and said they were 'privileged' to be part of the children's lives.

Amy Holmes, headteacher, said: "Our school community is devastated by the tragic loss of Hammad, Yousuf, Khadijah and Aneesa, their mother, all of whom lost their lives on Saturday morning.

"As a school we send our heartfelt condolences , thoughts and prayers to Mr Umerji and his extended family at this sad time.

" It has been a privilege to be part of the lives of the Umerji family and we will do everything we can to support the family and the community now and in the future."

Simon Greenwood's poem to Hammad:

My little man I had the honour and the privilege,

To get to know a special kid,

He'd drive some people crackers,

With the mischievous things he did,

An awesome sense of humour,

Personality enough for two,

Independent and determined,

There's nothing he couldn't do,

Playing cricket outside,

On a sunny afternoon,

Listening on repeat,

To the Eastenders theme tune,

The trampoline a favourite,

That brought that cheeky grin,

Or playing with the Mosque clock,

The ultimate for him, He brought a special comedy,

With lunches lasting forever,

He could bring you fits of giggles,

With a perfectly timed 'WHATEVER',

Custard or animal biscuits

He was as happy as could be,

Heart as big as a lion,

He always did save one for me,

Always talking of his family,

Really gave him pride,

No one could ever doubt,

The love he had inside,

These words don't do him justice,

But words never can,

To know him was to love him,

Goodnight my little man.