THE GRANDMOTHER of a schoolboy who died in an horrific house fire told the Argus: "I've got no more tears left to cry."

Sheila Hamson, 72, of Hillview Crescent, Newport, yesterday visited the house in Jones Street where 13-year-old grandson Richard Hawrot of Chichester Close, died on Friday night.

Mrs Hamson said: "Richard was a lovely little boy, kind and gentle who loved animals."

Another family friend at the scene said: "You won't find anyone anywhere with a bad word to say about Richard."

Fire broke out as Richard, who was visiting his friend, Toby Mills, worked on a petrol scooter in a courtyard area of the house in Baneswell at 8pm.

The boys were alone at the time as Toby's mother had popped out for a few minutes.

Neighbours tried to save the two boys. Toby was pulled through a small window and taken to the specialist burns unit at Swansea's Morriston Hospital, where his condition yesterday was stable. But rescuers could not reach Richard.

Tributes were also paid by St Julian's School head teacher, Steve Marshall, who said Richard and Toby were popular pupils.

He said: "We are devastated by this. It's a great shock to all of us that this could happen to two very nice, spirited, lads. "This week they were to look at their options for GCSEs."

He described the boys as excellent pupils. "I would say they were two boys who we had very good relationships with and two families who we had excellent relationships with."

Yesterday was a training day at the Heather Road, Newport, school and no pupils were in school. But senior members of staff and teachers, charged with providing pastoral care to pupils, met to discuss how to help those affected by the tragedy.

Mr Marshall said: "We will want to respond sensitively."

Mr Marshall said the school has not yet spoken to the families, adding: "They need to be with their family and friends but we have conveyed a message to them and if we can do anything as a school they only have to ask."

The residents of Jones Street are holding a collection for a commemorative wreath for Richard, and something for Toby.