On the day killer was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a detention centre, Ross's father, Steve Wood, said: "There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think about Ross. As heartbreaking as it is that he isn't with us anymore, we are filled with pride and so many positive memories of what he achieved in his short life. He was a happy go lucky young man, very care free and he just wanted to have a peaceful life and have fun with his friends. Sadly that was taken away from him."

Mr Wood said the sentence, whatever it had been, would not change what happened the day Ross was killed.

He said: "We haven't placed too much importance on today's sentencing. Nothing is going to bring Ross back and I am not sure there is a punishment that could be imposed which reflects what we as a family have gone through these last few months and what we are left to cope with for the rest of our lives. But we remain positive and cherish the memories Ross gave to us. He was our little star.

"To try and give something back to the community which gave us overwhelming support at the time of our loss, we have been talking to local councillors and the church to put something in place in Ross's memory. It's early days yet but there are a few things that are being considered and if we can make them happen it would be fantastic for the town.

"We also set up a memorial fund with money donated and raised through sponsored events and we have bought a couple of fantastic memorial trophies for the two football teams Ross played for. We'd like to raise enough money to be able to donate to a charity called Second Chance Headway too. The charity provides support and guidance to survivors of head injury and their families. We were told that if Ross had survived we would need to care for him for the rest of his life so it would be nice to help people who find themselves in a position we could have been in. Whatever money we get coming into the memorial fund we will always put it back into something positive."

• Donations in Ross's memory are being taken at the Reporter office, Wellington Road, Dewsbury. Cheques should be made payable to the Ross Wood Memorial Fund.