HUNDREDS of mourners turned up yesterday to say a fond farewell to nine-year-old Peter Buckle.

Many wore colourful clothing, in line with his family's request that Peter's funeral be a celebration of his short life.

Peter, who suffered from epilepsy and diabetes, died last week after he had a seizure in his sleep.

He was due to have an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, last month to treat his epilepsy, only for it to be cancelled a second time.

Peter was described as a very happy child, and his parents, Judith and Peter, had asked mourners not to wear black, saying the funeral should not be a sombre occasion.

The Reverend Alec Harding told those inside a packed St Paul's Church, in Evenwood, County Durham: "Every child is special, but sometimes it takes the death of a child for everyone to realise how special they are."

The small coffin was decorated in Action Man-style camouflage paint, and the floral tributes bore his nickname, Brusie.

He was affectionately known by that name by everyone in the village because of his large size when he was a baby -a real "bruiser".

Mr Harding said: "Brusie was a little boy who lived his life to the full, he was a very special child."

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I was impressed by his parents, who have been very dignified in their grief, and also by the people of Evenwood, who have gathered round the family and really shown their mettle."

He added: "Even people that they do not know have paid their respects."

A reading was given by Dr Bill Lamb, of the children's diabetic unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, who paid tribute to Peter and his parents, and said what a privilege it was working with them.

A poem written by Peter's fellow pupils at Warwick Road School, in Bishop Auckland, was also read out.

Peter, who had two grown sisters, Nicola and Katie, was a great animal lover who used to enjoy walking his dogs in the fields near his Evenwood home.

One of his ambitions was to be a farmer when he grew up, and one of the hymns, All Things Bright and Beautiful, reflected his love of nature.

A collection was taken in aid of the children's diabetic unit at the hospital.

The family hope it may go towards purchasing an insulin pump for a local diabetic child, which would mean they would not need to inject themselves.

* The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of the family.