The family of football-loving Ben Kinsella, who would have turned 27 on Saturday, marked his birthday by unveiling a plaque at the Market Road pitches he used to play on.

Ben has missed 11 birthdays since he was stabbed to death in 2008. But his legacy lives on in the Cally football fields and through the memories of those who knew him.

His life is also immortalised through the Ben Kinsella Trust, an anti-knife crime charity educating young people about the devastating consequences of carrying blades.

In a joint statement, his family said: “Ben loved football and he was so proud to be a part of Hawks and Holloway school football teams from a very young age.

“He always enjoyed spending time kicking a ball with his mates at Market Road Football Pitches.

“So, it is fitting tribute to him that on what would have been his 27th birthday we are unveiling this plaque to remember him.

“Ben was a caring person who liked to help people. He was a school mentor and a strong anti-bullying advocate.”