MOURNERS paid tribute yesterday to a popular teenager, who died after an incident outside a club, by sporting his favourite football team's colours for his funeral.

Many friends and relatives of 18-year-old Paul Smith complied with his family's request to wear the red and white stripes of Sunderland, at the service at Sacred Heart and English Martyrs' RC Church, in Thornley, east Durham.

Part of the village came to a standstill as the funeral cortege, including mourners in football shirts or wearing Sunderland favours, walked from the family home, in Thornlaw North, to the Dunelm Road church.

Led by parents, Eddie and Anne, and brother and sister Stephen and Sarah, the procession passed floral and football tributes near the village Catholic club.

Paul died from head injuries after the incident, as he and elder brother Stephen, 23, left the club with their uncle, Andrew Latham, on September 8.

It was standing room only for many in the packed church, with Stephen's former schoolfriends from St Bede's Comprehensive, in Peterlee, swelling the numbers at the Requiem Mass.

Parish priest Father Patrick Laydon spoke of the "tragic and unnecessary" loss.

"He was such a nice person, never any trouble. He was such a peaceful, helpful and gentle young man, at the start of his life.

"This quiet, gentle lad died a terrible death.

"It's so hard to bear for his poor mother, Anne, for Steve, his brother, for Eddie losing his boy, and for his sister Sarah.

"The family is shattered. It will take a long time to heal the sorest wound."

Following the service, the hearse, containing wreaths bearing Sunderland's initials, SAFC, and the word "Why?", proceeded to Thornley Cemetery for burial.

l John William Norman, 28, formerly of Murton, County Durham, is charged with Paul's murder. He is remanded in custody and will appear at Teesside Crown Court next Tuesday.