MORE than 200 mourners packed a church yesterday for the funeral of an eight-year-old boy who died after being swept out to sea.

Jordan Moon died last Sunday after paddling at Seaton Carew beach, near Hartlepool when a freak 8ft wave carried him away.

Jordan's white coffin was carried into the Holy Trinity Church, Hartlepool, to the tune of Madonna's Like A Prayer.

In an emotional address to the congregation, his sister, Lesley, said: "My baby brother was the naughtiest, kindest, funniest person I ever knew. He loved people and people loved him. He will be a wonderful angel."

Father Andrew France, assistant curate, addressed the church gathering.

He said: "Jordan has brought great joy to so many people, not least because he was a very loving boy who was always wanting to give you a cuddle.

"The result was that people loved him. He loved school, or at least the chance to be with his friends - he wasn't all that keen on the work.

"Jordan was talkative and he always wanted to give a helping hand wherever he could. He was convinced he'd be able to do anything he tried - play football, drive a car, you name it.

"His mam tells me Jordan was not like your average eight-year-old because he 'had that little bit extra'."

The funeral flowers included two white wreaths spelling Jordan's nickname, Bam Bam. Red flowers from his mother, Julie Wharam, were in the shape of a heart. They were placed on the top of her son's coffin.

Another floral tribute carried a message from Jordan's ten-year-old sister, Danielle, which said: "I love you with all my heart Jordan, love Danielle."

The coffin was taken from the church to the soundtrack of the film Ghostbusters. Earlier, traditional hymns Morning Has Broken and All Things Bright and Beautiful were sung.

Representatives of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Coastguard, which were both involved in the rescue attempt to save Jordan, were at the funeral. It was followed by interrment at West View Cemetery.

* Hartlepool Borough Council is under pressure to reinstate coastguards at Seaton Carew beach following the tragedy. The service was removed in 2001 for financial reasons.