The funeral of Ben Perrin was held at St Michael's Church, Abergele, last Friday, a week after the 14-year old was found dead at his home in Clwyd Avenue in the town.

A sombre atmosphere lingered in the air and many youngsters from Emrys ap Iwan broke down in tears as they struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of their friend.

But the service also acted as a celebration of Ben's short life, epitomised by uplifting hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful and members of the school choir singing the Robbie Williams hit Angels.

Ben's woven coffin was wheeled into the church past a stream of floral decorations, with the most prominent simply spelling out the name BEN.

Family members including Ben's parents, Louise and Ray, his brother Dan and sister Ellie followed the coffin as it made a dignified entrance into the packed church.

The congregation were shown visual memories of Ben through photographs of his activities in life, such as his love of music and swimming.

Rev Shirley Griffiths, who led the service, spoke fondly of Ben in her talk.

She said: "When someone we love dies, we are so full of mixed up emotions. We wonder why, we wonder whether there is something we could have done to help.

"The story of Ben does not end with his death. Ben will live on in all our hearts and those of others who knew him. Things are being planned in his memory.

"There will be a recording studio at Emrys ap Iwan and a concert at the Pavilion Theatre in July. Ben's story will continue to be told for many years to come."

With the church full to its capacity of about 300, many more mourners were escorted into a side building where the service was relayed.

Donations from the service were given to the school to be used for its planned memorials for Ben.

A private burial service in St Michael's churchyard was held for close family members after the funeral.