FAMILY and friends today bid a emotional farewell to popular teenager Henry Avery in a moving ceremony in Southrop.

The 18-year-old's funeral was held at St Peter's Church and more than 300 mourners came to pay their last respects.

The picturesque parish church was packed to the rafters, leaving scores of Henry's young friends standing in the porchway and graveyard. They braced the freezing cold in quiet contemplation during the poignant service.

The former Farmor's School pupil died in a car crash on the A361 near Lechlade two weeks ago. He is survived by parents Dave and Jilly Avery and six siblings.

Tearful friends described him as a brilliant friend with a cheeky grin who lit up people's lives.

On the Standard's website, one friend wrote: "I hope his family will find some comfort knowing that he was a much loved and popular boy and will not be forgotten."

Before the service family members followed Henry's coffin from his home, past the village hall and pub where he used to work, before reaching the church path which was lined with well-wishers of all ages.

Mourners sang John Bunyan's He Who Would Valiant Be', Eleanor Farjeon's Morning Has Broken' and Henry Lyte's Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven' in between readings and tributes from family and friends.

After the ceremony the congregation offered their condolences to Henry's family before walking the short distance to the village hall for refreshments. The retiring collection was in aid of the parish church.

Henry was a popular member of Fairford Rugby Club and had many friends in the Lechlade and Fairford area. In Cirencester, too, he was well-known. His father works at Moore Allen's salesrooms where Henry used to help out.