SCHOOL friends today joined family members and other relations at the funeral of a teenage boy killed trying to cross a road.

Brandon Nugent died from injuries suffered in the collision with an Audi A3 car on the A690, near Durham, on Monday March 21.

The 13-year-old was with friends attempting to cross the dual carriageway between Gilesgate roundabout and Belmont turn-off slip road.

A friend safely reached the central reserve, but Brandon was hit as he tried to cross the eastbound stretch.

He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the University Hospital of North Durham.

His death shocked family, plus his many friends and staff at St Leonard's RC School in Durham, where he was described as, "a popular, happy character".

A special mass was staged at the school in memory of Brandon and tributes have mounted on social network message boards since his death.

He was described as, "a happy go-lucky boy", a good cross country runner and a keen footballer, who enjoyed playing on his Xbox, while also being a fan of the band Slipknot.

His funeral took place at St Joseph's RC Church, not far from his home in Gilesgate, Durham, yesterday (THUR MAR 31).

The Durham Police collision unit is investigating the accident and has spoken to the 19-year-old male driver of the car involved, plus other witnesses.

Anyone who was travelling on that stretch of the A690 at around 7.15pm on March 21 is asked to contact the unit, on 0191-375 2159.