Dozens of coloured balloons were released outside a Teesdale church yesterday to celebrate the life of a popular teenage boy.

There was standing room only at Cockfield Methodist Church today as friends and family gathered to pay their respects to 14-year-old Jon Douglas who died of a rare genetic disorder earlier this month.

Jon, who lived in Cockfield and was a pupil at Staindrop Comprehensive School, died after a short illness as a result of a Chronic Granulamatous which affects one in four million people.

Mourners at the church heard about the popular young man who spent his time helping others and lived life to the full.

Reverend Alan Coates said he first met Jon when he was officiating at the marriage of his sister, Jane.

Reverend Coates said he was a normal teenager who loved sport, music and computer games and was a massive car fan who was able to recite the specs of any model of car.

He had particularly enjoyed renovating an old VW Beetle with his brother-in-law Mal Paterson.

But the Rev Coates said, in other ways Jon was a very special teenager. He was a mentor to other children and was always looking forward to the future.

He often acted as the peacemaker if there was a dispute between any of his six brothers and sisters.

He was extremely friendly and got on with everybody he met.

Reverend Coates added: "Jon didn't just like people, he loved them. He embraced them."

Jon's sister, Jane Paterson, said Jon rose to every challenge that was put in front of him and was always fun to be with.

She said: "It was often very difficult to for you to be sad when Jon was around."

Tracks by Jon's favourite band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were played at the service and there was laughter when the Rev Coates said Jon knew his music was loud enough when his father told him to turn it down.

The Zephyr Song and a version of the Carole King hit, You've Got a Friend, were played and the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful was sung.

Following the service, each mourner was handed a balloon which were released simultaneously in celebration of his life. The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Jon Douglas' family.