“A warm smile that brightened everyone’s day”.

This is how Cameron Hamilton, the young man who died following a stabbing in Bournemouth, is remembered by his former school.

Bournemouth School headteacher Dr Dorian Lewis says he is “devastated” by the loss of the 18-year-old who was a pupil at the school from 2016 to 2022.

In a heartfelt tribute, Dr Lewis said Cameron had stayed in touch with his old school – even contacting a history teacher a week before his death offering old newspapers he had found.

Dr Lewis told the Echo: “Cameron joined our Year 7 from Queen’s Park Academy in September 2016. He completed his GCSE studies with us, before beginning his A-level studies.

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth SchoolBournemouth School

“During Year 12 Cameron decided that he was ill-suited to his chosen programme of study and consequently chose to leave us in May 2022.

“Cameron was always a popular and lively member of our school community. As a part of Newton House, he could always be relied upon to put himself forward for house events and he also represented the school at rugby.

“Throughout his time at the school, Cameron was polite and courteous, with a warm smile that brightened everyone’s day.

“Since leaving the school, Cameron remained in touch with us; only last week he contacted his former tutor and history teacher to offer some newspapers dating from the Cold War period that he had found in a wall cavity whilst refurbishing a bathroom.

Bournemouth Echo: Dr Dorian Lewis, headteacher of Bournemouth School.Dr Dorian Lewis, headteacher of Bournemouth School. (Image: NQ)

“Cameron also maintained many friendships that were forged during his time at the school. We always did, and will always, consider him to be ‘one of ours’. We are devastated by his loss.

“Our thoughts are with Cameron’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Cameron, a plumber from Bournemouth, was pronounced dead in the Square following a fight involving a group of people in the early hours of Saturday, August 5.

An inquest into his death on August 7 heard he died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Thomas Betteridge, 18 and of Southsea in Portsmouth, is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on August 8 charged with murder.