An event in memory of a brave five-year-old who died after battling cancer raised more than £1,000 towards creating a quiet area in his honour.

Jacob's Day was held at John Ray Infant School in honour of Jacob Jones, who passed away at Little Havens Hospice in December after losing his fight against neuroblastoma.

Staff, parents and Jacob's schoolfriends and relatives enjoyed a day of activities and donated a total of £1,055.81 - which will be used to make improvements to a memorial area which includes a bench dedicated to Jacob.

Chris Bojan, Jacob's grandmother, said: "Jacob now has a second bench and quiet area in his memory in the playground.

"Special thanks to Orin and Freya for cutting the ribbon, they were his two best friends, and did a grand job.

"Thank you to everyone at the school who made this happen, you made us very welcome and helped us to remember Jacob with joy, on a very difficult day."

Jacob's parents Kerry and Adam will visit the school to see the bench later this year.

Mrs Bojan said: "Thanks to Kate Mills, headteacher, who the children enjoyed soaking with wet sponges, Braintree fire station who kindly brought their fire engine and Braintree Football Club's Community Iron, for the footie goal scoring.

"All the staff and children doing various activities, including singing so beautifully and dressing colourfully, I have never seen so much pink.

"It was a truly wonderful way to celebrate what would have been Jacob's sixth birthday."

The event took place on Thursday, June 7.