Chain necklaces gifted to tragic Jack Johnson's classmates after Babbs Mill Lake tragedy

The poignant necklaces were given to the 10-year-old's classmates before they left St Anthony's Catholic Primary School

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A family-run jewellers has gifted 30 chain necklaces to the former classmates of Jack Johnson who tragically died in the Babbs Mill Lake tragedy. Year six leavers at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School were given the jewellery in memory of the 10-year-old.

It was a difficult finish for the children who have now left the Kingshurst school, based in Fordbridge Road, without their friend. Jack fell into icy water on December 11 last year and sadly perished with three other boys, Finlay, Samuel and Thomas.

The touching pendant necklaces, made by Stanley’s Jewellers, have St Anthony on one side and St Francis on the other. The latter is a special tribute to Jack who was dubbed 'the St Francis of his class' because of his love for animals.

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Sam Batchelor, director at Stanley’s based in the Jewellery Quarter, said: "We remember being in the shop and hearing about the tragedy on the radio. It really hit home - especially as my son went to a nearby school.

"Gifting the chains felt like we were helping in some small way. It’s everyone pulling together in these difficult times that gets you through."

Emma McSheffrey, St Anthony’s secretary, approached Stanley's earlier in the summer to source mementos to present to Jack's classmates. The jewellers decided to gift the poignant necklaces for free.

"We managed to source some medals with St Anthony on one side and St Francis on the other," said Ms McSheffrey. "This was really apt as Jack was dubbed the St Francis of his class because of his love for animals."

Headteacher Cieran Flaherty added: "Acts like yours lift us all, and in the dark, there are glimmers of light like this. Thank you for bringing a bit of light to us all."

Mr Flaherty previously praised Jack as a "ray of sunshine" who "never failed to make us all smile." He said: "Jack was a loving, bubbly pupil with a heart of gold. Someone who would always check in on others and make sure they were doing okay."