Sam Jennings, a pupil at St Columba's Primary School, collapsed without warning late on Monday afternoon while on a family outing to Cairnie Fruit Farm.

It was the end of what the youngster had told his mum was 'a great week', during which he had visited his grandparents in Blackpool, learned to drive a go-cart and had his first swimming lesson.

Described as 'bright as a button, with a cheeky grin,' Sam was popular amongst his classmates at St Columba's, where he was just about to start in P2.

The youngsters' return to school after the summer holidays will begin with a special service in his memory arranged by headteacher Jo Boggan.

Sam's parents Tom and Donna want as many people as possible to attend his funeral next Friday to join them in remembering the little boy they say was wise beyond his years.

This week the couple and their eight-year-old daughter Joy were being comforted in their home in Charles Jarvis Court by family and friends.

In a poignant tribute, they said: "Sam was clever and he was wise for such a little boy.

"He was bright, beautiful, clever, intelligent and strong. And we loved him."

Although born with a heart defect that did not limit his lifestyle, Sam suffered what appears to have been complete heart failure.

A close friend said: "Sam's death happened so unexpectedly.

"He was having a lovely family day and had just turned to wave to his mum when he collapsed and died without any warning.

"His family are so grateful to the staff at Cairnie Fruit Farm and to Drs Burnett and McDonald at Cupar Health Centre, who all did everything they could, but tragically Sam couldn't be revived.

"He was as bright as a button, and showed such great promise.
"He had recently started tennis coaching and had had his very first swimming lesson on the morning of the day he died.

"That day he'd said: 'I've had a great week, Mum!'

Tom (40), who grew up in Brunton, is a mortgage adviser while Donna (38) has just completed a degree in drama therapy and is the throes of establishing a charity called FLOC — For the Love of a Child — aimed at helping children who have experienced trauma in their lives.

Now the charity will be dedicated to Sam's memory, and Donna asks that, instead of flowers, well-wishers can donate to FLOC.

Anyone wishing to do so can send contributions to: Jamie Drew, 7 Arundel Close, Carterton, OX18 3PJ.

Sam's funeral will take place at Cupar Old Parish Church on Friday, August 7, at 1.15 p.m.