THOUSANDS of balloons and lanterns flickered in the skies tonight as St Helens was lit up in memory of baby Isaac Haggerty.

The orange and yellow glow - the colours of the #teamisaac campaign that supported his family - could be seen climbing into the darkness around the town.

It was a beautiful and immensely poignant sight.

Isaac died aged 21 months after a courageous battle with a rare form of leukaemia.

Friends organised tonight's tribute via social media to show support to his parents Gareth and Claire, from Islands Brow.

St Helens Star:

  • Claire Revill posted this picture from Chain Lane

Hundreds of families gathered at locations across the borough, including Haresfinch Park, Taylor Park at Billinge Hill.

From the latter two vantage points lanterns could be seen floating up into the clear night skies.

Afterwards Star readers described the scenes on Facebook.

Gill Rowe wrote:"This encompasses all that is great with St Helens folk. Yes, like all towns we have our troubles, but to see such compassion, love and community spirit for baby Isaac, his family and friends? Is truly inspirational."

Carol Powell wrote: "A beautiful tribute to a beautiful little boy. Sleep tight angel you have more than earned your wings."

Chris Callaghan added: "What a beautiful night of remembrance."