Nine-year-old Bradley Dean died in his mum's arms on Saturday at the family's Marlborough Street home.

The "little superman" had defied the odds after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, last year. But earlier this year the disease came back much more aggressively.

His parents, Paul and Maria, were too distraught to talk about their son's death but Bradley's aunt, Miss Susan Dean, said: "You can never be prepared for it. Bradley was incredibly brave. He always had a ready made smile and was always making us laugh.

"When he did go he died in his mummy's arms with his dad by their side."

When diagnosed, the Springfield Community Primary School pupil was having to go for chemotherapy every 10 days and his parents were told he only had a 50/50 chance of living.

But the fun-loving Manchester United fan fought the illness to the end and although he never managed a dream trip to America he did go to Center Parcs with his family four weeks ago.

"He had a wonderful time at Center Parcs," said Miss Dean. "He was too ill to make it to America but charity Wish Upon A Star, who have been absolutely fantastic, made it possible for him to go to Center Parcs. It was a lovely holiday and all the family had a really nice time.

"I know Paul and Maria would like to thank everybody who has helped and supported them in the last couple of years. They were completely overwhelmed by all the support they received."

Bradley leaves his parents, little sisters Sarah and Shona and grandparents John, Doris and Christina. He was a loving nephew, great nephew, cousin and special friend to Michael.