A cardboard model has brought happiness to a schoolboy almost a year after his father died suddenly after a long cancer battle.

Leo Goodwins, 12, created a cardboard reconstruction of the Sutton Life Centre for his design and technology homework at Raynes Park High School.

Staff at the educational and community centre were so impressed with it they agreed to display the model in the Alcorn Close venue.

It has taken pride of place behind the reception desk alongside the Christmas decorations.

Leo and his mother Sharon are re-building their lives after the sudden death of Leo’s father Robert, known as Bob, in February this year.

Mrs Goodwins, of Aragon Road, Morden, said the Royal Marsden Hospital failed to tell her and her family that her husband was terminally ill and he died suddenly.

He had been suffering from a number of cancers including pancreatic, oesophagus and bone cancer over the years and had gone into hospital for what she thought was a routine chemotherapy session.

An investigation is being carried out at the hospital into the conduct of staff when dealing with the grieving family.

Mrs Goodwins said: "It has been a real trial. We would have liked to get everyone together but we didn’t get the chance."

Speaking about the model, which is about the size of an A4 piece of paper and includes a detailed reconstruction of the climbing wall with small Lego people, Mrs Goodwins said: "I think it is fantastic, Leo took so much time on it.

"His dad saw it before he died of cancer.

"No-one told us he was dying - the cancer spread quickly."

She said the model being such a success was some good news in a very difficult time for the family.

A Royal Marsden spokesman said: "Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Goodwins’ family. We cannot comment in further detail while an investigation is ongoing."