The family of teenage murder victim John Marsh have told of their grief over the death of the popular schoolboy, who was a keen sportsman.
The 15-year-old from Golborne, near Wigan, died in hospital after he was stabbed outside a house in St Helens late on Saturday night.
A youth has been charged with murdering John at an address in Hempstead Close, Thatto Heath.
John's parents John and Tracey, and his stepfather Steven, paid tribute to John who had made a name for himself on the rugby pitch.
In a statement the family said: "John was a very loving and kind young man and he will be greatly missed by all of his family.
"He was very popular and had a lot of school friends in the Golborne area. He was fun to be around and he loved telling jokes and making us all laugh.
"John loved sport and when he was younger he won many accolades for playing rugby, and was often named 'man of the match.'
"He will be missed by all of his family especially his nan, Auntie Debbie and her partner Gary, with whom he was particularly close."
The 17-year-old, from the Thatto Heath area, who has been charged with John's murder, cannot be named for legal reasons.
He is remanded in custody until 1st December and a date for his committal for trial at Liverpool Crown Court has been fixed for 4th January 2010.
A 44-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of murder and perverting the course of justice has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Shamille Sith, Golborne around 1 year, 3 months ago