Devastated friends of rising football star Ryan Evans have left a series of heartfelt messages on a touching candlelit memorial in their school chapel.

Notes left for the 18-year-old, who died last month at his Swadlincote home, include "you will always be a part of me", "just wish I saw you one last time" and "if only you could see how much your friends love you".

They were written on heart-shaped cards and placed on an altar with candles and pictures of the Mansfield Town under-18s captain, who had been poised to break through the club's under-21 setup.

It is not yet known how Ryan died, but it is thought the popular teenager had been training at the Stags' Brooksby Melton College facility, in Melton Mowbray, the previous night.

A memorial to Ryan Evans made by pupils at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Sports College in the school chapel. Former pupil Ryan died aged just 18.

The day after the May tragedy, former schoolmates at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Sports College gathered for a morning of remembrance in the chapel.

Head teacher Martin Cain said, although Ryan had left Robert Sutton for college in 2016, he still had "many close friends" at the Stapenhill school.

He said: "Many, many students and staff held fond memories of Ryan. He was an extraordinarily positive young man, a fantastic footballer and a great sportsman with a lovely temprament.

"He represented the school at football and won various representative honours at county level. Despite his success at sport at a high level, he was always a keen participant in sports days at school.

Messages were written on heart-shaped cards.

"When we first received the news, we gathered Year 13 together and held our own service of remembrance in our school chapel.

"We had the morning together and remembered Ryan, prayed and wrote prayer cards, which are now displayed on the altar in our chapel.

"We shared the many memories we have of Ryan and also tried to absorb the shock as a community. We shared our grief, thoughts and prayers and gave thanks for what he meant to us.

"We'll produce our own memorial to him and find our own way of remembering Ryan in the school.

"I've spoken with the family and we'll be represented at the funeral.

Ryan Evans
Ryan Evans

"They're an absolutely lovely family and as well as our hearts and prayers going out to Ryan's mum and dad, they also go out to his sister, Chloe, who was a pupil here before she left in 2014.

"He was a wonderful sportsman, but our abiding memory is of a delightful young man.

"He was a lovely, lovely young boy with a lovely family and what has happened is an absolute tragedy."

Among the messages left for Ryan was one reading: "Thank you for being a part of me."

The girl said she had known Ryan for half of his life, and "for a quarter of it, I have loved you".

The message continued: "Thank you for teaching me about the importance of goals and dreams. Thank you for being you and showing me who you really were.

"Thank you for giving me the chance to love you. Always may you rest in peace. You will always be a part of me. Sending you eternal hugs."

Another read: "You won't ever leave me. You will always be here by my side. Every step I take, I will know you're there. Just wish I saw you for one last time."

Messages left for Ryan.

A third friend wrote: "Ryan had his whole successful life in front of him, he will always be remembered and loved. Rest in peace."

On another card was written: "What a wonderful, talented young man. Life is so cruel. If only you could see how much your friends love you. Sleep tight, Ryan."

As well as representing Mansfield, Ryan also played for Leicestershire side Quorn FC in the Midland League Premier, who have previously produced professional players including former Derby County and Burton Albion star Luke Varney.

Quorn club chairman Stuart Turner told the Burton Mail's sister paper, the Leicester Mercury: "We are waiting for an investigation to conclude but I’ve been in touch with his family and am told he died in his sleep while at home.

"Whether it’s an undetected heart problem or not, we’re not sure, and will have to wait for more information.

"His family, as you can imagine, are in absolute bits and have asked for privacy while they come to terms with their loss."

Ryan's funeral will be held on Monday, June 18 at Bretby Crematorium at 11.15am. His family have said they are happy for any friends to attend and for mourners to wear football shirts or any clothing that reminds them of Ryan.

It is understood Ryan's body was found on Thursday, May 24.