A “KIND and caring” Musselburgh boy has received a posthumous award from his school.

Keen footballer Aaron Higgs (pictured below) received the Pope Francis Medal, which is presented annually to an exceptional P7 pupil at the town’s Loretto RC Primary School.

East Lothian Courier: Aaron Higgs

Voted for by staff, the accolade is given to a kind and caring child.

The school had closed amidst the first coronavirus lockdown last year, and 11-year-old Aaron was excited at moving onto secondary school.

His dad Martin said his son’s death in March 2020 was “sudden and unexplained.”

He described the award as “a celebration” of his son and stood for everything he was.

He added: “It sums up Aaron beautifully.

“He always tried to make everyone smile and was kind, loving and caring.

“He always looked out for his friends.

“The award symbolises everything Aaron was.

“If anyone was feeling down, he would try to pick them up.”

Aaron loved football and played for Musselburgh Youngstars.

He was also an avid fan of Nottingham Forest Football Club and Celtic Football Club.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Martin and Gemma, Aaron’s mum were unable to receive the award on their son’s behalf.

However, they have now able to attend at the school for the socially distanced presentation.

The whole family, including Aaron’s brother Aiden, aged eight, and three-year-old sister Evie were proud of his achievement.

Martin said: “We are so proud that Aaron’s amazing qualities have been recognised by others.”

Margaret Anne McBean, headteacher at Loretto RC Primary School, said: “Each year, a P7 Loretto pupil is awarded the Pope Francis Medal.

“The medal is awarded to the pupil who throughout their whole time in Loretto demonstrates our school’s Gospel values.

“Aaron was the unanimous nomination last session for his love and kindness, politeness, respect for all and great effort in everything he did.

“We are delighted at last, in a small but public way, to be able to celebrate the lovely boy he was and remember him.”