The family of a teenager who was stabbed to death more than two years ago gathered at an emotional event to mark what would have been his 18th birthday.

Reece Tansey died in May 2021 aged 15 after being stabbed a number of times on Walker Avenue in Great Lever.

James White was convicted of murdering Reece and Mark Nuttall was found guilty of manslaughter.

On Tuesday, Reece's loved ones gathered on Dunbar Drive in Great Lever to release balloons and set off fireworks mark what would have been the former  Harper Green School student's 18th birthday. 

Read more: Reece Tansey's family's wish for memorial to the murdered teen

An emotional Joan Tong, Reece’s grandma, said: “Me and Reece had a very close bond.

“He always said to his grandad that when he turned 18, he’d take him for a pint, but that never happened.

“It’s horrible, I don’t go out anywhere, I just close myself in. My garden's all lit up for him.

“It’s not getting any easier, to me, it seems to be getting harder.”

The crowd sang "happy birthday" as the balloons were released and gave three cheers before fireworks were set off in the moving tribute.

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Reece’s auntie, Michelle Phillips, added: “It’s horrible. We normally go to Walker Avenue but this year his mum decided not to which is for the best.”

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