A vigil will take place at an Oldham high school this week in memory of one of its 'bright and funny' pupils.

Eric Lin, who attended Co-op Academy Failsworth, is believed to have taken his own life, though this has not been confirmed.

At 8pm on Thursday (July 13), friends, family and others impacted by his death have been invited to gather at the school in a community-organised event to remember the 14-year-old.

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Blue balloons will be tied to the railings and candles will be lit as a sign of respect to Eric and his family.

In a statement to The Oldham Times, the school confirmed the vigil will be taking place and said it is "devastated" by Eric's death.

A spokesperson said: "We are devastated about the passing of our student Eric Lin and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Eric’s at this difficult time.

"We’ve been informed that a vigil has been organised by the community to remember Eric, and after working with The Samaritans, we have been advised to bring items of memorial inside the school to create a place where students can visit.

"The community are welcome to be part of this by delivering anything they wish into the school.

"A memorial space has been created at school where staff and students can leave messages."

They added: "Our main priority is guiding our students and families through this very difficult experience of losing their friend, and all of our decisions have been made with them in mind.

"We ask that our students be given the space to grieve in the coming weeks and months."

While it has been claimed on social media that Eric was a victim of "persistent" bullying and torment, this has not been confirmed by the authorities as a factor in the teenager's death.

A petition to establish 'Eric's Law', which calls for tougher measures against bullying and for prosecutions against parents and school leaders, currently has more than 450 signatures at the time of writing.

The petition states: "Something needs to change. Whose child is next?

"Let's get this to Parliament and make a stand as parents - we owe this to our children before one of ours is next.

"Eric was 14 years of age and had such a bright future but that ended with him tragically ending his own life down to the fatal hands of bullying.

"Eric's life did matter.

"Let's remember a gorgeous, bright and funny young man who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

"RIP Eric, go light up the sky with that beautiful smile."

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org