A brave young footballer who captained his team in a cup final just after his father died unexpectedly has been presented with a special award.

Oliver Alves, captain of Notley Youth Football Club’s Under-13s team, was the first recipient of the club’s Jacob Jones award - named in honour of the brave five-year-old who died after a battle with cancer.

The club built a lasting relationship with young Jacob and wanted to honour Oliver after what has been a difficult few months for the youngster.

Vice-chairman Martyn Bernard said: “He has been through the mill this year and we thought it was fitting for him to win the award.

“Throughout everything he has been through he has still played and captained his team.

“Two days before his dad’s funeral he was playing in a match and broke his foot.

“We didn’t tell anyone about the award and he was as surprised as anybody. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when we gave him the award.”

Former John Ray Infant School pupil Jacob Jones’ grandfather Vic Bojan presented Oliver, 13, with the award.

Mr Bojan said: “The awards night was very emotional for all involved - such a lovely way to keep Jacob’s memory alive, but a stark reminder of how precious life is.

“Thank you so much to Notley Youth Football Club for your continued support, for all you did for Jacob’s fight and helping to keep his memory alive for years to come.”

Oliver’s dad Sergio died in October last year.

He had been a prominent club supporter and attended almost all of his son’s football matches.

Mr Bernard said: “Oliver managed to still continue playing despite his death, he even captained his team to a cup final.

“It was a very proud moment for him and I’m sure his dad would have been very proud.”

The club ran many fundraising events for Jacob whilst his family were raising money for his neuroblastoma treatment.

After his death at Little Haven’s Hospice in December, the club wanted to keep this association alive - and the Jacob Jones trophy was born.

Mr Bernard said: “When he passed away, we thought it would be fitting if we dedicated a trophy in his name.

“We will continue to do fundraising events to raise money for the charity in his name.”