THE man accused of murdering Bolton schoolboy Ryan Mason has made a first appearance in court.

And today trained counsellors were on hand at Ryan's school, Queen Street Primary, Farnworth, as pupils and staff remembered the seven-year-old at a special assembly.

On Saturday security was tight at Bolton magistrates court, with guards standing at the doors to court one as Ronald Mariner was led into the dock from police cells.

During the two minute hearing Mariner, aged 22, of Bowland Drive, Johnson Fold, remained impassive as the charge was read out that between February 10 and 13 he murdered Ryan.

Afterwards Mariner, dressed in cream coloured trousers and a dark blue casual top, was handcuffed by the two guards standing either side facing him, and led back down to the cells.

None of Ryan's family were in the almost empty public gallery during the hearing and there was no application for bail.

Mariner was remanded in custody until Friday when he will appear again at Manchester Crown Court.

Grieving pupils and staff at Queen Street School gathered together this morning for the first time after the half term break.

Headteacher Sheila Holland said that since news on Wednesday of Ryan's death she had been unable to think of anything other than what she would say to the children.

"It is a very difficult thing we will have to cope with at the moment but we will cope with it together," she said.

Counsellors were present to help pupils and staff particularly affected by the tragedy.

At assembly Mrs Holland told the children that pupils came to school expecting teachers to have all the answers, but sometimes they didn't.

But she stressed that everyone should get something meaningful from Ryan's short life. She described him as a "quiet, caring little boy".

"Ryan was a good friend and loyal to his friends and we should try to live our lives like that," she said.

"I believe strongly that everyone on this earth was given for a reason."

Ryan's class teacher Mrs Tattersall read a prayer and his former teachers Mrs Eccles and Mrs Butler gave readings during the service while the children sang hymns including Give Me Joy In My Heart.