The memory of Jack Vickery will live on at a Longlevens School after a memorial sundial was unveiled in honour of the student.

Jack died in November 2007 of sudden adult death syndrome at the age of 18, just days after receiving the offer of an interview from Cambridge University.

His death left fellow pupils at Sir Thomas Rich's School determined to ensure a fitting tribute would be created for the popular student.

A sundial dedicated to him was unveiled at the school.

Jack's mum, Bev Hayward, said: "The school has been brilliant all the way through this.

"The way the pupils were determined to provide a tribute themselves, and to raise the money for it when we could have paid for it, is fantastic.

"They were a huge comfort to me at the time, and of course they were grieving themselves and we were really there to help each other get through it.

"I really could not have wished for anything else, they have kept me involved about all the fundraising and everything else."

The sundial is a piece of slate which bears Jack's name and dates, and is also inscribed with some of his artwork.

"We had a meeting at the school with the sculptor, myself, teachers and pupils, and we were really able to get across exactly what we wanted on it," she said.

"It is lovely to have the memorial there for Jack, it really does mean a lot to us."

Ian Kellie, head teacher at the school in Oakleaze, said the work the pupils had put into ensuring the memorial came together was inspiring.

He said: "Jack was a highly thought of pupil, an ideal student and such a nice young man.

"His death was a real shock to the entire school, it is good we are going to be able to remember him with what is a magnificent sundial.

"It will be a fitting memorial and tribute to him.

"The students have put an awful lot of work and effort into getting the money raised, from car washes to dress-down days where everyone could pay what they wanted – and they all donated generously."