The pastor of the church which a seven-year-old attended before he was killed in a mini bus accident has encouraged people by revealing what the boy said about his faith in Jesus a few months before he died. 

Samuel Barker, from Monmouth, Wales, died at the scene about a mile from Osbaston Church in Wales School after the end of the school day on Monday.

Rev Jonathan Greaves of Monmouth Baptist Church knew Samuel since he was born as his family has attended the church for a number of years. 

Samuel's parents told Rev Greaves that their son was given a new book a few months ago "and the first thing he wanted to write in it was something about his faith and praise to God", Rev Greaves told Premier. 

He read from the book: "I love Jesus and God because they look after me and a nice to me. They love me very much and they make me better and they're the best adults in the whole wide world. 

"I love them very, very much. They're so nice to me. I will always believe in them. They like me so much. They are so, so, so, so, so kind to me and I trust them. 

"They give me strength. He loves me all the time. I praise the Lord, I can trust in him. They are the best. I am so excited to go to heaven. I'll never hurt myself and I'll never get a stitch. And he died on the cross for me. He saved my life."

Rev Greaves said the whole community is "shaken" after his death but added that Samuel's family is being surrounded with supportive people. 

He said Samuel's mother Cat asked that Christians pray "for a revival of God's spirit" in their town following her son's death. Cat also informed him that Samuel's death has already "brought one family member to Christ". 

On Tuesday, Gwent Police said the minibus driver, a 45-year-old man from Gloucester, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving