A MODEL pupil aged 12 was found hanged from a tree by horrified family friends.

Joe Richardson went missing on Monday evening after telling his mum Soffia Rawsterne he was off to play in nearby woods.

Soffia, 43, was helped in her search by pals, who found him dangling by a nylon rope from a swing in Up Holland, Lancs.

Distraught Soffia said last night: Joe was friendly, popular and much loved.

She and Joes stepdad John, 39, were struggling to come to terms with his death.

Up Holland High School head Peter Doyle said: Joe was quiet, bright and articulate.

He had many friends and we had no concerns for him.

But a police source revealed the lads family had said he had been unhappy recently.

He added: They think this is probably related to something in school or the possibility Joe was being bullied.

MORGAN Pound, nine, hanged himself trying to swing from a beam at home in Penryn, Cornwall, a Truro inquest heard. Verdict: Open.