Friends and family of an 11-year-old boy who died in a bus accident gathered to pay a final farewell today.

Joshua O'Flaherty died on June 13 from head injuries while he was riding his bike near his home in Bexhill Road, Woodingdean, Brighton.

About 200 people, including classmates, friends and relatives, gathered at the Downs Crematorium for his funeral.

Phil Evans, who led the service, read out a message of support from Joshua's first teacher and a letter of condolence from a spokesman for Liverpool Football Club, which Joshua supported.

The letter said: "On behalf of the director, players and staff at Liverpool Football Club, I want to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of Joshua.

"Our thoughts are with you at this sad time."

Mr Evans spoke of the youngster's sense of humour and mischievous streak, adding: "Joshua said he wanted to be a lawyer so he could help people and he did have a strong sense of fair play.

"This added to his intelligence and knack of finding out about people.

"He would befriend complete strangers and he had so many friends, as we can see today."

Pupils from Rudyard Kipling CP School in Chalkland Rise, where Joshua was a Year Six pupil, sang I Can See Clearly Now during the service at the Bear Road crematorium.

A poem written by his mother and father, Denise and Ferdia, was also read out and songs which had a special meaning to the youngster were played.

The main chapel was so crowded that some people had to stand outside and listen to the service through a speaker.

Mr Evans said: "We could spend hours paying tribute to this special young man.

"There are those who stand out from the crowd and Joshua was one of them.

"He was like a sponge, wanting to absorb information of all descriptions. He loved listening to stories about the war and history.

"He was as bright at the sunflower that he loved so much."