Mason Jones' heartbroken parents talk about their son who died in hanging accident

Like all boys his age, the six-year-old loved playing games, cracking jokes and could light up a room with his angelic, infectious smile.

Big for his age, Mason cared and looked after others smaller than himself, especially his baby twin sisters, Danica and Tionne.

Last Friday, the youngster died after he was hanged in a freak accident.

Mason was playing with the twins in a bedroom at their terraced home in Walmersley Road when a skipping rope game went tragically wrong.

Paramedics and doctors battled for nearly an hour to resuscitate the youngster but he was pronounced dead at Fairfield General Hospital.

In an exclusive interview, his parents Jenni and Damian spoke of their love for their "little soldier and beautiful son" and brother to sisters Adee (9) and the five-year-old twins.

Jenni said: "Mase was a real gentle giant. He was so caring and loving.

"His death and the support from the community has made us realise how many people's lives he touched. The support we have had has been unbelievable.

"I am getting my strength from Mason. He didn't like to see me cry. Our family and friends are also giving us great love and support and rallying round to help.

"I would like to remember Mason's six years and ten months, the joy he has given in that time, rather than focus on the terrible events on just one day."

Mason was born on September 16, 2000, at Fairfield General Hospital. He was big for his age - his parents calling him their "little man". But he used his size to look after and care for those smaller than himself.

If he was given any money by his parents, he would share it with his sisters and sometimes leave himself with nothing.

Dad Damian (30) said: "Mason loved the Pirates of the Caribbean films and Spider-Man. Most of his clothes had the skull and crossbones emblem on them.

"He was also creative, imaginative and clever. His teachers have said they wished they had a class full of Masons.

"He was never in trouble at school, but he could be a little mischievous imp at home.

"If he was being a bit naughty he could melt our hearts with his beautiful, gorgeous smile. We could never stay angry with Mason for long. All he wanted to hear was laughter."

The Joneses are staying with family as they struggle to come to terms with their sad loss.

"The twins are probably too young to realise what has happened," said Jenni (29).

"They know their brother has gone to heaven. They are happy when they are playing but they cry at night. Adee, Danica and Tionne miss their brother so much but are putting on a brave face."

Mason's death has shocked the community and worshippers at the family's church.

One local resident said: "He was a lovely little boy who always had a smile on his face and we are all in shock."

Another described him as having the "face of an angel".

Parish priest Father Robert Morrow, of St Joseph's Church, was called to the hospital on Friday and gave Mason the last rites.

He said: "There is great shock and great sympathy for Mason's family. He was a very likeable little boy."

He announced news of the tragedy to stunned members of the congregation at Sunday morning's mass.

Mrs Sue McAvady, headteacher of St Joseph and St Bede Primary School where Mason was a pupil, held a special assembly on Monday morning to inform the school of the accident.

She said: "The school community was stunned to hear of the tragic death of Mason at the weekend. Mason loved school and had many friends.

"He was a happy boy and was always smiling. He will be very much missed by us all and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Flowers have been left outside Mason's home and messages of sympathy and support have been sent from across the UK and abroad.

There are no funeral details at present.