Scores of keen ten-pin bowlers were out in force to take part in a tournament in memory of Banbury schoolboy Andrew Tapper.

The football-mad 11-year-old died in October after contracting a rare form of meningitis.

Andrew was a keen bowler and an active member of the junior league at Lakeside Superbowl, Cherwell Centre, George Street, Banbury, where his mother Jenny Essex, 43, works.

In a tribute to Andrew, manager Ben Hayes and Miss Essex’s colleagues organised an inaugural annual charity bowling tournament in his memory.

Bowling firm Lakeside Superbowl donated a prize fund of £100 and a trophy, which will be played for every year to remember the North Oxfordshire Academy pupil.

Step dad Brian Buller, 46, a coach driver, said: “It was excellent.– they had a great turn out.

“They are going to do it every year. We are over the moon. It’s a really nice thing to do.”

Mr Hayes said: “Jenny works for us and Andrew played in the league – a lot of staff wanted to do something in his memory.

“Proceeds went to the family but from now on it will raise money for meningitis research.”

Days before he died, Andrew, of Bretch Hill, Banbury, complained he did not feel well.

Initially, his mother thought he had a bug, but he collapsed and was taken to the Horton Hospital before being transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where he died.

Miss Essex, who is due to give birth to he third son in seven weeks, has paid tribute to her “absolute sweetheart” and described Andrew as a kind-hearted boy who always helped other people. Andrew also leaves a brother Kieran, 14.

Earlier this month, a minute’s silence was held for Andrew at the Lakeside Superbowl.