Friends remember 'cheeky charmer' Charlie Alford at memorial night
YOUNGSTERS and their parents celebrated the life of a popular and "cheeky" young man at a village gathering.
A sombre but steady flow of people arrived last night at the Bullers Arms public house in Landrake to reflect on the loss of 16-year-old Charlie Alford.
The teen was found collapsed in a toilet area of Cornwall College Saltash on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite the efforts of staff they were unable to revive him and he later died.
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Charlie was on the Introduction to Professional Cookery Diploma Level 1 course at Saltash.
One of his lecturers described him as a "cheeky charmer", a tone which has been repeated by many of his heartbroken friends in messages left both online and pinned to bouquets left near a nearby bus-stop on the A38 road through the town.
Last night yet more flowers and messages were laid at the wooden bus-stop where the student is understood to have regularly hung out with friends.
One said: "Dearest Charlie, You were a pain the bum but I guess that's why we loved you. All the good memories, old and new, will remain in our hearts forever. You were everyone's best mate with the cheekiest smile. You were one in a million. Always and forever - Becky, Millie, Georgie, Jez. I love you."
Another message said simply "Dearest Charlie Chalk - So sorry. With love from Mandy, Lee, Kirsty, BeckW, Archie, Millie and Imogen."
Another handwritten message addressed to Charlie announced "You've always been like a big brother to me. Sleep tight bro' and don't get into any mischief. Always, Imogen. XXX".
Inside the 19th century pub friends of Charlie, some accompanied by their parents, paid sombre tribute to the youngster.
One villager, who asked not to be named, said he had lived in the area for many years.
He said: "I'm attending tonight out of respect for the young lad and to show support to his family.
"It's been quite devastating news for the village, which is pretty close knit."
The Herald respected a request by the landlord not to enter the premises during the evening.
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