Andrew Stewart was just 15 years old when he collapsed during a PE lesson at his Gainsborough school last October. He died of heart failure.

A year on, mourners – including Andrew’s twin brother David, younger brother Duncan and his parents Ian and Julie Stewart – gathered at the Morton Terrace school to unveil a plaque, and officially open a courtyard in his memory.

“We share your loss,” said headteacher David Smart at a special ceremony.

“I know that Andrew is with us, and always will be. This space is dedicated to his memory.”

Andrew’s father Ian thanked pupils and staff for their support.

“I would like to say thank you on behalf of the family. It’s been absolutely dreadful for us, but you have supported us, and we can’t thank you enough. Andrew loved this school.”

Andrew’s family added: “There are simply no words that can describe the void left by Andrew’s sudden death a year ago. The support we have received from his fellow students, teachers and friends has helped us so much during these most difficult times – we cannot express our gratitude for the compassion and kindness shown by everyone.”

Andrew’s fellow students also joined together and spent the year fundraising for the Lincolnshire and Notts Air Ambulance Service, who were called out to try and save Andrew.

In total, the students’ efforts raised more than £8,500, which was presented at the dedication.

“We are proud that Andrew’s memory has inspired so many to work so tirelessly in the past 12 months, to raise funds for such a needy cause,” Andrew’s family said.

Mr Steve Underwood collected the cheque on behalf of the air ambulance.

“I was very pleased to be invited along to this special ceremony,” he said.

“I had a personal experience of something like this back when I was at school many years ago.”

“I think this is a fantastic project and I look forward to coming back and seeing the courtyard when it is full of flowers,” he added.

Mr Smart added that one house per year at the school will always have the air ambulance as its chosen charity.

“It does not stop here,” he said. “The fundraising will go on and on.”

A group of music students also paid a moving tribute to Andrew, and sang a version of Somebody To Love inside the new bandstand that is built in the courtyard.