THE funeral has taken place of popular 21-year-old student Joe Medforth.

Friends of the psychology student, from Ryther, between York and Selby, said they felt cheated that he had been taken from them so young.

Hundreds of mourners packed into St Wilfred's Church, Brayton, on Thursday for a service to pay their last respects.

Mr Medforth, who studied at the University of Central Lancashire, died in Preston on July 17 after an alleged street attack.

Many tributes were paid to his sensitivity, kindness and easy-going nature.

The Vicar of St Wilfred's, the Reverend David Rey-nolds, said: "Through his tragic and untimely death, we shall remember Joe before God, and give thanks for the way in which his short life has touched the lives of so many."

* Carl Newton, 20, of Chorley, and Anthony Silcock, 19, of Preston, Lancashire, have been charged with the murder of Mr Medford and have been remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on October 25.