THE mother of James Bulger today paid tribute to her murdered son on what would have been his 21st birthday.

Denise Fergus said she thinks about James every day and she will always cherish bittersweet memories of the years they spent together.

She said: “I would love to make James’ 21st birthday really special, but we know it cannot be like that.

“I can remember him the way he was – my wonderful little son who was so loved and who we all still love and miss so much.

“He was a really happy boy who was delighted when he was having stories read to him.

“He loved being with people and was never happier than when he was playing with his cousins.

“It is impossible to know what he would have been like if he had lived. James was full of fun and had his own little character.

“He was unique and I have never set any of his brothers up to stand in his place. They each have their own nature but there have been times when I have seen flashes of James in all three of them.”