THE date and time for the funeral service of 10-year-old Samuel Crocker, who tragically died following a road accident in Crediton, has been announced.

It will take place at Crediton Parish Church at 2pm on Tuesday, March 24.

It is expected that it will be full to capacity at the funeral service as hundreds of people, including family, friends, school friends from Landscore Primary School, neighbours, members of Crediton Scouts, as well as people from across the community come together to pay their respects.

Family flowers only will be accepted at the service.

Samuel was involved in a collision with a white Vauxhall Combo van shortly before 1.35pm on Saturday, February 28 at Threshers.

FIRST ON THE SCENE PRAISED

Until now, no public praise has been made to the members of the public who rushed to Samuel's aid.

The "Courier" has been informed that these individuals were faced with a difficult scene but did all in their power to care for Samuel, performing CPR and bravely coping until the emergency services arrived.

Samuel then received treatment from paramedics and ambulance crews before he was taken by a Devon Air Ambulance Trust helicopter to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The air ambulance landed at Landscore Primary School, where Samuel was a pupil, and from where he was airlifted.

Officers said that Samuel died in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Many tributes have been paid to Samuel and hundreds of people attended a vigil held at Crediton Parish Church, where the funeral service will now take place.

So many floral tributes were left near the accident scene that they filled the pavement and the family has since placed some further away to accommodate pedestrian safety.

Crediton PCSO Lisa Crocker, Samuel's auntie, was also one of the first to arrive at the scene on the day.

Her husband, Martin, set up a JustGiving page which had a target of raising £750 for Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).

GENEROUS DONATIONS

To date, thanks to generous donations by almost 300 people, businesses and organisations, the total raised via the on-line site is nearly £5,000.

There are also many messages on the website. Helmores estate agents made a donation and their message reads: "The rest of our collection from all of the team here. So sad it can't help Sam, but hopefully it'll help another."

A message with a donation from Sue, Steve, Kara and Finley reads: "Stu, Clare and Joseph and families you are still in our thoughts."

The Horn family message read: "Those we love can never be more than a thought away...for as long as there's a memory they live in our hearts to stay. Rest in peace Samuel x"

Profits from the forthcoming car boot sale in the car park of Crediton's Tesco store at Wellparks on Sunday, March 22, will also be donated to the JustGiving page.

In addition, those who wish to make donations can do so in a collection bucket during the car boot sale.

APPEAL TO AID DAAT

Donations will also be accepted at the funeral service in aid of the appeal in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

These can also be made via A White and Sons, Family Funeral Directors, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.

Anyone who would like to donate via the on-line appeal can do so via the website: http://www.justgiving.com/SparkleforSamuel">www.justgiving.com/SparkleforSamuel .

The Crocker family said their lives were "turned upside down" by the accident.

Cameron Trivett (24), of Mill Street, Crediton, has been charged with driving a vehicle that failed to stop after a road traffic collision, and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He appeared at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 2 and was bailed to appear at Exeter Crown Court on March 27.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen a white Vauxhall combo van being driven between Crediton and Morchard Road along the A377 at or around the time to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact Police Sgt Steve Walker on the 101 number, quoting log 397.