BUNCHES of flowers have been placed outside the school of tragic pupil Joe Geeling.

Many messages of heart-felt sympathy for his family were among the tributes outside St Gabriel's High School, Bury, and in Whitehead Park, Ainsworth, where his body was found.

One message read: "An angel was stolen from us. We will miss you forever."

Another said: "Your sad death has touched so many hearts. It is impossible to believe such as tragedy came from within such a caring community."

A 14-year-old boy appeared before Bury Youth Court on Monday charged with the murder of 11-years-old Joe, who suffered from cystic fibrosis. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in secure accommodation until March 13.

Wearing a navy blue jumper and tracksuit bottoms, he remained expressionless as he was brought into the courtroom, handcuffed to a security guard.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address during a 20-minute hearing, and showed no emotion as the charge was put to him.

He clasped his mother's hand throughout the hearing and his uncle also sat by his mother's side. No plea was entered and no application for bail was made.

Joe's parents on Monday joined his classmates at St Gabriel's High School, for a mass in his memory. The Bishop of Salford, Terence Brain conducted the service, which was also attended by pupils from its associated primary schools.

Joe's disappearance last Wednesday and the subsequent discovery of his body in the park shocked both students and staff at the Roman Catholic high school. He had been stabbed to death.