An inquest will be held today into the death of an 11-year-old boy found hanging at his home after apparently being tormented by bullies.

It was claimed Ben Vodden had been subjected to months of bullying, mainly on the short bus journeys he took to and from his secondary school.

Paramedics who were called to his family home in Southwater, near Horsham, West Sussex, found him in a serious condition on December 12 last year and he was pronounced dead at Worthing Hospital.

Sussex Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death but declined to comment on suggestions he was being bullied. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging.

In a statement following his death, Ben's parents Paul and Caroline and his 17-year-old sister Alice described him as a lively boy who was full of character.

They said: "From the moment he was born, Ben was brim full of character and always fun to be with.

"He had a wonderful way with words and his lively personality and clever quips were a constant source of amusement to everyone who knew him.

"Ben was friendly and caring towards everyone he met, whether adults or children of any age, and he had a deep sense of loyalty towards his friends and family.

"He shared with his father a passion for nature and wildlife documentaries as well as a great sense of humour.

"He also enjoyed art and music, particularly character sketching and playing the piano, and was looking forward to learning the saxophone.

"Above all, he enjoyed playing out with his friends, whether cycling, building dens or playing sport.

"His most prized possessions were his baseball bat, glove and ball, and trophies from last season's Junior Baseball League.

"Ben was a wonderful, caring, happy and loyal person with a great sense of individuality.

"We loved him from the moment he was born and we, his parents and his sister Alice, will miss him desperately every day for the rest of our lives."

The inquest takes place at Horsham Magistrates' Court from 10am.