THE father of a ten-year-old boy who died following a hit-and-run crash in York has thanked his son’s former rugby club for their support, saying he “could not ask for better friends”.

Ronnie Hamilton, whose son Sean died following the collision in Holgate Road in 2009, attended the official installation of a bench outside York Acorn Rugby Club in his memory.

Sean, a pupil at Our Lady’s RC Primary School, died after being hit by a van being driven by 18-year-old John Patrick Smith in Holgate Road almost two years ago. Smith received a two-and-a-half year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident.

The bench was unveiled as part of a gala day including stalls, games and a bouncy castle, to raise money to go towards working with young players at the club, who are coached by volunteers.

Mr Hamilton said he and his wife, Sharon, and their children were extremely grateful for the ongoing kindness of the club.

He said: “It tore us all apart, but we are getting better as a family.

“The club have really been supportive. It’s great to know they are here for us when we need them.

“I just want to thank everybody. I could not ask for better friends, they have been really great.”

The bench ceremony was the latest gesture from the club in memory of Sean, who was a talented rugby player and began playing with them at the age of eight.

The under-13 team no longer uses the number nine shirt Sean used to wear and the strip has “in loving memory of Sean Hamilton” written on the arm.

They also hope to hold a rugby gala in Sean’s name, said Phil Wyard, of York Acorn ARLFC.

He said: “He was an excellent lad. He had a lot of potential as a rugby player but he was taken away so quickly.”