IT started with a single flower set against a tree close to the scene of Andy Holland's death.

But yesterday, as mourners arrived in their droves, a shrine to the popular 16-year-old continued to grow.

Last night the flames flickered on dozens of candles while the bouquets and messages of sympathy reflected the deepest thoughts of a town in mourning.

Andy died on Friday after being stabbed in the neck following a row outside a chip shop in Farnworth.

Yesterday, the man accused of killing him appeared in court.

Mahmud Maksoudian, aged 21, of Madams Wood Road, Little Hulton, stood before magistrates in Bolton charged with murder.

He is also alleged to have attacked Curtis McAtee, aged 16, who is currently recovering from a stab wound to the back in hospital.

Maksoudian, who came to Britain from Iran seven years ago, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

The garage mechanic was remanded in custody until November 2, when he will appear at Manchester Crown Court.

Andy, a former pupil of Harper Green School and a keen Bolton Wanderers fan, was out on Friday night when he and a group of his friends got involved in an altercation with a man outside Ashy's chip shop in Plodder Lane. The row escalated and Andrew and Curtis were stabbed.

Andrew staggered 200 yards from the takeaway before collapsing on the ground. He was taken to hospital but later died.

Curtis managed to walk 100 yards before falling to the ground and is now is a stable condition at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport. The incident happened at 10.50pm on Friday.

Chippy boss, Arshid Hussain, said: "My staff saw some of the argument after a man left the shop. Seconds later police cars screamed on to the pavement. My employees were immediately taken to Bolton Police Station where they gave statements. They were ashen and drained after being interviewed.

"What has happened is absolutely disgusting. I can't believe this happened on our doorstep."

Mr Hussain said police are to fit a panic button at his shop, which has been open for three weeks.

Yesterday extra police community support officers were still patrolling the streets of Farnworth.

Meanwhile, senior leaders at Harper Green School in Farnworth have paid tribute to Andrew, saying he would have made a success of his life.

He was due to collect his GCSE results on Thursday. They will now be picked up by a family member.

Headteacher of the Farnworth school, Philip Stewart, said: "It is a tragic loss of life, even more so as Andrew had finished school and was awaiting his GCSE results.

"He was embarking on the next step of his life and making choices for his future, which makes it even more tragic.

"Harper Green School has taught generations of Andrew's family and the schools staff's thoughts and condolences are with them. Our thoughts are also with Curtis McAtee and his family."

Assistant headteacher Sara Cain added: "Andrew was a popular boy. He was known throughout the year groups because he had siblings in other years.

"He had the potential and the ability to make something of his life. He spoke about joining the army and he certainly would have achieved what he wanted. Andrew's life has been tragically cut short."

Mrs Cain said that Andrew would be remembered at the school's garden of remembrance.