The sudden death of a nine-year-old autistic boy has left his family devastated.

Lewis Rothery lived with his adoptive parents Julie and Trevor, in Bradford Road, Brighouse.

He died at Sheffield Child-ren's Hospital this week after being taken ill on Christmas Eve, leaving his family in deep shock.

"He had an infection so we took him to the emergency doctor on Christmas Day," said Mrs Rothery, 44, a former childminder.

"He was given antibiotics but the infection got worse and we thought he had septicaemia."

Lewis saw a further two doctors before eventually being admitted to Calderdale Royal Hospital.

As the infection spread through his body, he was transferred to the intensive care unit at Sheffield last week. But his liver and kidneys began to fail.

"A rash appeared all over his back but it was too late," Mrs Rothery said. "Scans showed he had had a massive stroke."

The Rotherys, who have two sons, 26-year-old Damian and 20-year-old Mark, have been fostering children for 12 years.

They took in Lewis when he was four months old, along with his older brother Ryan, now ten. They later adopted the pair.

Lewis, who was starved of oxygen at birth, was autistic and had special needs.

Although he could not speak he managed to communicate in his own way and attended Highbury Special School in Rastrick.

Mr Rothery, 46, described how the family had built an extension at their home to create a special room for Lewis so he could be safe.

"He was very loving, giving lots of hugs and kisses," Mr Rothery said. "Even though his speech was limited he always let us know what he wanted. We are devastated."

Half of Lewis's Christmas present remain unopened and videos his parents ordered are still arriving in the post.

The couple have been inundated with cards of condolence saying such things as: "You gave him the best nine years but it should have been longer."

His funeral was held yesterday at Park Wood, Elland. A floral display of Postman Pat accompanied his coffin and his favourite video, the Little Red Tractor, was inside.

"He was our angel," said a tearful Mrs Rothery.

"We have loved him and protected him, we just can't help but think we have failed him somehow.

"We used to call him 'Tigger' because he was always jumping around.

"We have dressed him in his Tigger pyjamas."