MORE than 100 mourners gathered for yesterday's funeral of a teenager who died of a heart attack while playing football.

Friends and family of Anthony Wilkinson, 15, many of them fellow pupils at Gillbrook Technology College, Middlesbrough, packed St Hilda's Church, in Grangetown, Teesside, near to his home in St Patrick's Road.

The teenager, who had suffered heart problems since childhood, died suddenly last Tuesday only hours after receiving a hospital appointment for a leaking heart valve.

On Sunday, a Musical Picnic in the Park was held at Grangetown Park, where Anthony died, as a tribute to the youngster.

During yesterday's service, at which his favourite song, Queen's We Will Rock You, was played, Father Ian Graham described Anthony as a "typical 15-year-old boy who loved the Boro."

Addressing his friends, he said: "Thank you for being in that park and guarding all the flowers. You have shown how good you are and you have shown respect for Anthony's memory."

Wreaths spelling Son and Stinker, Anthony's affectionate nickname, lay alongside the coffin.

After the ceremony, Anne Johnson, the teenager's former headteacher at Grangetown Primary School, said: "He left five years ago, but we haven't forgotten him.

"The family are quite well known in the community and this will affect everyone. Anthony was thoughtful with a beautiful smile and a twinkle in his eye."

Most of the mourners, including Anthony's parents, Sharon and Michael, sisters Michaela, 12, and Jordon, nine, and brother Michael, six, went on to Eston Cemetery for the burial.

The Northern Echo was invited by the family to attend the funeral.