HUNDREDS of people paid a tearful tribute to tragic Brighton teenager Jay Kensett last night.

They gathered as darkness fell to dedicate a memorial at the spot where he died

of a stab wound earlier this year.

And the moving ceremony, on Jay's birthday, was made even more poignant by the deaths of two of Jay's cousins in an horrific car crash on Brighton seafront last week.

Jay's parents, John and Kim, both 40, were joined by nearly 300 friends and relatives beneath the tree where Jay died in Whitehawk Road, Whitehawk.

Some left messages, others laid flowers and still more held candles, which they were unable to light because of the strong winds.

With them were Jay's fiancee, Cassie Watts, 16, and his former deputy headmaster from Marina High, Jim Russell.

Many choked back tears as Mr Russell said Jay, who would have been 17 yesterday, was loved and much missed by the whole community in Whitehawk.

After he screwed the memorial plaque to its stone plinth Mr Russell said: "We remember your cheeky grin, your need for the final word, and your determination to succeed. Be at peace young man."

Mr and Mrs Kensett did not speak during the moving 15 minute ceremony but asked Mr Russell to read a message from the family.

Referring to the deaths of Jay's cousins, Lena Ring and Margaret Kensett, he said: "You will be aware that they have been touched by tragedy again.

"John and Kim would once again like to thank all the people of Whitehawk for the help and love they have experienced since the loss of Jay.

"You do not know how much this means to them and the comfort it has given to them."

Jay's parents and family stood alone by the memorial for a minute after the simple ceremony.

Two football shirts in the colours of his beloved Spurs

team took pride of place among the messages pinned to the tree.

The inscription on the plaque was a poem dedicated by some of the popular footballer's friends.

It read: "Unique is how we saw you Jay.

"We miss you more than words can say.

"Sadly we can't be together.

"In our hearts you'll live for ever."

Mr Kensett had cradled his son in his arms as he lay dying after the knife attack last March.

The couple were alerted by Jay's friends after the stabbing and ran to the scene from their home in nearby Pulborough Close.

Jay had been celebrating after scoring four goals for his school earlier that day, putting them top of their league.

Brighton and Hove Council paid for the memorial to be installed.

A man has been charged with murder in connection with Jay's death.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.