A VILLAGE came to a standstill today for the funeral service of a popular schoolboy who died in a tragedy which has shocked his community.

Football-mad Ryan Marshall died last week when he was hit by a car as he cycled to his home in Bearpark, near Durham City, to watch England play in the World Cup.

Yesterday, mourners lined the main street of Ushaw Moor in silence as Ryan's coffin was brought to St Joseph's RC Church in a glass-sided white coach, pulled by two horses sporting England's colours.

The sombre cortege passed St Joseph's RC Primary, its schoolyard now silent and empty, where the nine-year-old had played with his classmates only last week.

Many of his tearful schoolfriends attended the service, with the little church packed to overflowing with family, friends and villagers united in grief.

The family of Ryan - whose coffin was draped with the flag of St George - asked the congregation to pray for the drivers of the two cars involved in the horrific accident on June 15.

The service was an emotional mixture of traditional hymns, including Abide With Me and the Lord Is My Shepherd, and poignant popular music including Art Garfunkel's Bright Eyes and You Are Not Alone, by Michael Jackson.

Ryan's stepfather Victor Sigsworth described him as: "a comedian, who could make a joke out of anything, whether it was good or bad.

"Ryan was the leader of the pack. He was a lover of life, he had a smile always. Ryan was my friend but, most of all, I am proud to say my son."

Messages and poems to Ryan were read out by his mother Angela, including her own tearful tribute: "I just couldn't tell you how much I love you and how I am going to miss you so much.

"I will miss your beautiful smile, your eyes, your little dimple, your arms around mummy."

Father Michael Griffiths said: "In his short life, Ryan has done much, contributed so much, wondered at so many amazing things and now, in simply joy, is embraced by Jesus."

The church service was followed by a private burial.

* The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the agreement of Ryan's family.