THE family of a Valleys teenager have paid tribute to a "kind and loving son."

Joshua Davies, 15, was found unconscious close to Elmwood Grove, Tredegar, at around 4.20pm on August 15.

He was taken to Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, where he later died.

Yesterday, his family released a statement.

It said: "Josh was a kind and loving son, brother and grandson with a love for life and a promising future and we will miss him terribly.

"We thank everyone for the well wishes and kindness shown."

Following his death, a tribute site, R.I.P Josh Davies, was set up on Facebook. More than 1,200 people had joined the group by yesterday afternoon.

One friend said: "Like they say buddy.. They only take the best."

Another added: "R.I.P Josh you are going to be one loved and missed boy and you will never be forgotten."

Tredegar Comprehensive School's chairman of governors and ward councillor John Morgan said Josh was a well-liked pupil by students and teachers.

He said the teenager was respected by all the pupils and that everybody at the school is devastated by the news.

Cllr Morgan said the school opened last Friday to offer counselling to any children who wanted it.

He added: "Everybody is thinking of his family at this very sad time."

School governor and fellow ward councillor Keith Hayden said: "We want to offer our condolences. We know he's going to be missed by the school."

Josh's death is not being treated as suspicious. As the police had contact with him before his death, the force referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

After review, the IPCC has now handed this back to Gwent Police for investigation.