THE heartbreaking sight of a fairytale white horse-drawn carriage stopped people in their tracks as the bells of Sunderland Minster rang across the city.

Two white Andalusians with sky blue plumes and drapes led the way, with the family of Reggie Young in four black limousines behind.

The three-week-old baby, who died tragically last month after he was bitten by a family pet, lay in a tiny, light blue coffin with brass handles in the back of the carriage.

Floral tributes at the sides spelled out ‘Reggie’, ‘Grandson’ and ‘Son’, with many more flowers on top.

The message from his devastated parents read: “Sleep tight with the angels my son. Never ever to be forgotten, love always, Mam and Dad xxxx.”

Reggie was bitten by the family’s Jack Russell in the early hours of June 20 at his parents’ home in Falkland Road, on the Ford Estate, in Sunderland.

Crowds, taking in the immense sadness of a child’s funeral, gathered outside the Empire Theatre, and watched as the baby’s father, Ryan Young, was carefully handed the coffin by the undertaker.

Inside Sunderland Minster, Canon Provost Sheila Bamber said: “Reggie Simon Richardson Young – names that embed him into your family.

“Richardson after his grandfather, himself a bit of a character in his day and Reggie was a character in your family right from the first moment.

“He was simply amazing in his perfection, absolutely gorgeous, a golden little boy who brought a ray of sunshine into your family.

“Reggie was a contented baby, easy and alert, smiley, but with a pouty face too – a charmer and a bit of a poser from the word go.”

After the service, his family filed slowly out and the little boy was placed once more in the back of the carriage by his father, who had appeared so stoic on the short journey from the minster.

Stepping back he made the sign of the cross and became overcome with emotion, his face etched with intense pain and loss.

Mr Young was comforted by a loved one before they headed to Bishopwearmouth Cemetery, where Reggie was laid to rest.