HUNDREDS of mourners packed a North-East church yesterday to celebrate the life of a young naval engineer who died earlier this month.

The funeral of 21-year-old John Hutchinson, from Darlington, took place at the town's St Augustine's Church.

The coffin, draped in the union flag, with white roses and his Navy cap on top, was carried by six of his colleagues from Squadron 801.

Mr Hutchinson was working aboard HMS Invincible, when, during shore leave on Tenerife, he is believed to have fallen from a balcony suffering serious head injuries.

His parents, Liz Cooke and Brian Hutchinson, stayed at his bedside at a hospital in Santa Cruz for three days until he died on Sunday, October 5.

Father Michael Higginbottom led yesterday's service.

He said: "Nothing could prepare us for John's death. Our education, our upbringing, or our faith, cannot save us from the devastating grief of such a tragedy."

He said Mr Hutchinson was close to his family and friends in Darlington, visiting them whenever he could, despite having to travel many miles from his base in Yeovilton, Somerset.

Fr Higginbottom described him as "a quiet lad, who was just good to be with".

He said: "He had great respect and appreciation of those who became part of his life in 801 Squadron. He worked hard at what he really enjoyed - servicing Harrier jump jets."

He also mentioned the adventure-loving side of Mr Hutchinson, who loved to travel, especially his trips with the Navy to the Grand Canyon, Finland and Poland.

Fr Higginbottom said that Mr Hutchinson was a popular crew member, adding that more than £3,000 was raised on board HMS Invincible through the auction of his kit, for Brainwave, a head injuries charity at Newcastle General Hospital.

The ship's chaplain Padre Charles Howard, and Deputy Commander of HMS Invincible Justin Osmund, both gave readings. They and another of Mr Hutchinson's commanding officers, John Lawlor, were thanked for all the support they have given the family.

Mr Hutchinson's love of his career and life at sea was reflected in the singing of the Naval Hymn at the end of the funeral. He leaves his parents, sister Fiona, 15, brother Richard, 19, and step-father Dave Cooke. An inquest into his death has been opened.

* Mr Hutchinson's family gave The Northern Echo permission to attend his funeral.