Ethan's family prepare to say goodbye to their blue-eyed boy

The nine-year-old’s funeral service will take place next week and his family are asking mourners to wear an item of clothing or an accessory in the colour blue.

Ethan fought for life for more than a week after being hit by a car in the town’s Marina Way, but his injuries were too severe and mum and dad, Paul Owens and Lisa Cooper, made the heartbreaking decision to turn off the life support machine.

People add their candles to the display which spelt out 'Ethan' and a heart in tea lights.

Now, the devastated family are planning the youngster’s funeral, which will take place in Hartlepool next Wednesday, with his coffin carried in a horse drawn carriage.

Ethan’s aunt, Sarah Bradley, said: “Everyone is being asked to wear a touch of blue, because Ethan’s eyes are blue and his mam just wanted to represent that.

“It doesn’t have to be something big, just a blue tie or even blue nail varnish, anything with a little bit of blue.”

The Jesmond Gardens Primary School pupil, Ethan, lived with his family in Wharton Terrace, the second youngest of seven children.

Sarah said: “His brothers and sisters are being absolutely amazing in supporting his mam and dad, even though they are all grieving themselves.”

Ethan’s funeral service will be held at St Oswald’s Church on Wednesday at 12.30pm prior to buriel at West View Cemetery.

The community will come together tonight to remember Ethan with a balloon release.

One of Lisa’s oldest friends, Alison Johnson, 38, is organising the release, which will be held at Greyfields Sports Ground at 5.15pm tonight.

Hundreds of people are expected to go along to release the balloons in memory of the youngster.

Balloons are available from Balloonies in Murray Street for £1 and donations for the family will also be collected at the launch.

Ethan is believed to have been with a group of other youngsters when he was in collision with a car around teatime on Monday, February 27.

Dozens of people gathered to show their support at a candle-lit vigil as he fought for life, after being airlifted to James Cook University Hospital with critical head injuries.