Lanterns lit for murder victim Jay Whiston (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Lanterns lit for Jay Whiston at Frinton Greensward

8:29am Saturday 15th September 2012 in News By Helen Barnett

HUNDREDS of Chinese lanterns floated out across the Frinton sea in a moving tribute to murder victim Jay Whiston.

School pals from Tendring Technology College organised for more than 500 of Jay’s friends and family to meet at Frinton’s Greensward on Friday, September 14, in honour of the 17-year-old who was tragically stabbed last week.

Wearing badges of the Sesame Street character the Cookie Monster, which Jay had tattooed on his backside, and buying Refresher sweets he tried to sell at school as a youngster, the evening was a celebration of the memories which made Jay such a popular student.

Family say they have been overwhelmed by the support from so many young people.

Jay’s mum, Caroline Shearer, said: “This was planned by the kids. They never asked us for anything, they just invited us down to show they loved Jay.”

There was also a call from students urging more people to come forward with information for police.

Shannon Speirs-Hearn, 17, said: “It is lovely so many people are here and I am so proud of everyone who has come down.

“But we need more people to come forward to the police with information. We need justice for Jay.”

READ MORE IN MONDAY’S GAZETTE.