A SCHOOL hall has been named in honour of a much-missed Wey Valley schoolboy.

The Will Mackaness Hall was officially unveiled last night during an emotional awards ceremony for former students from the Weymouth school.

Will’s mum Pam Govier, a teacher at the school, and family friend Brian Willett handed over a plaque and framed photo of Will – which will be permanently displayed at the hall’s entrance.

The former head boy lost his battle with a brain tumour in August aged 16.

He died at home minutes after receiving his GCSE results and after fighting the final stages of his illness to attend his school prom.

Wey Valley headteacher Phil Thomas announced that an educational trust had been set up in Will’s name.

It will allow students who would not normally have an opportunity to take part in watersports to try them in Weymouth Bay and at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy.

An annual watersports event will also be held in Will’s name.

Mr Thomas said: “Will loved water sports and his idea of comfort was a beach and a surfboard.

“It was a unanimous decision by the governors to name the hall after him.

“He typified and embodied the values of the school as a whole. It was an emotional ceremony because Will was central to that year group. Nearly everyone in the town was aware of his untimely death.

“Our hall was renovated in summer 2006 and last night seemed like an appropriate moment to dedicate the hall to him.”

Former year 11 GCSE, GNVQ and BTech students all picked up a certificate for their achievements last night.

Special prizes went to Jamie Frampton – a friend of Will’s – as the highest achieving boy and Francesca Hemery as the highest achieving girl.

Mr Thomas said that Will, a keen sports player, was an inspiration to the entire year group.

“He finished things at school with so much bravery and dedication. He was there with us until the end.

“Deep down, he knew each day was a challenge, but he carried on.

“This was the first time a lot of the students have been together since Will’s funeral.”