Tributes poured in for a teenage boy who died after being hit by a car in Bristol city centre.

Friends of talented rugby player Troy Atkinson from Hartcliffe, said he was 'kind-hearted' and 'loved by everyone'.

The fifteen-year-old died in hospital after he was left with severe head injuries in the hit-and-run crash in the evening of 28 April, 2009.

The following day, a group of Troy's friends gathered next to bouquets of flowers and messages left near the scene of the collision outside the Castlemead building.

One 14-year-old said: "He was a lush person and always had a smile on his face. If you were down, he would always lift you up."

Mark Wilson, who coached Troy at Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Club, said the winger was a 'lovely lad' who was naturally talented.

Fighting back tears, he said: "He was just a lovely lad basically and was the players' player of the season in his first season with us. He was the top try-scorer every season.

"He was a polite lad and top fellow. He didn't really know any of the lads when he joined us but they all liked him and respected him and everyone is absolutely devastated.

"He was an outstanding natural talent who scored tries for fun and was fast as you like."

He said Troy played for the club at under 12, 13, and 14 level before joining St Mary's Rugby Club in Bradley Stoke.

Mr Wilson added: "He was good for rugby and rugby was good for him. What's happened is so sad."

Troy had been a student at Withywood Community School before he was educated at Easton-based Active8 Education.

Stephen Kings, principal at Merchants Academy, which replaced the community school, said students were shocked by the news.

He said: "He was a talented sportsman and captain of the school rugby team and also played for the Bristol schools team.

"He will be remembered as being bright, articulate and intelligent.”

James Fortune, managing director of Active8, which educates students who struggle in mainstream schools, said: "The students are in a state of disbelief and are saying 'it's not true, it's not true'.

"Troy had a really strong personality. When he came into the room, he was very confident in himself. He was well-liked and when these things happen, it's a big blow."