TEARFUL family and friends said goodbye to 'perfect' Nathan Taylor at his funeral today.

Speaking at the service for the missing 18-year-old at a packed Walton Lea Crematorium, mum Amanda spoke of her ‘precious son’.

She said: “No one will understand how much we are going to miss you.

“We are so proud of you.

“You brought a special love to our lives.

“Your memories will be kept in everyone’s hearts.”

The teenager’s coffin was carried in by friends as one of his favourite songs - ‘Mirror’ by Lil Wayne - played.

More than 100 people filled the crematorium, with seats full and many left standing.

Dad Chris had asked well-wishers not to dress in black and wore a colourful checked shirt.

He said: “We love you more than words can say, Nay.

“You were starting to emerge as a lovely young man with lots of aspirations to look forward to.

“It’s sometimes hard to know why some things happen as they do, for so much joy and happiness was centred around you.

“It so hard to comprehend you are no longer here.

“One day we will meet again.”

Sister Olivia, aged 15, described her ‘gorgeous brother’.

“I really couldn’t ask for a better brother than you.

“Wish I could have been there for you as you were always there for me.

“You will always be in my heart.

“I’m really going to make you so proud “Sleep tight and wrap up warm.

“I love you.”

Another favourite song - ‘Spacebound’ by Eminem - was played before friends paid tribute.

They described him as an ‘amazing person’ who was ‘funny, caring, loving and a bit shy’ and ‘the perfect mate’.

Tutors from Warrington Collegiate, where the gym lover studied Media, said he was ‘a pleasure to teach’ and an ‘inspiration’.

Guests clapped each speaker.

A video montage of family photos were shown while ‘Stay’ by Rihanna played.

They showed Nathan held as a baby by Chris and Amanda, and as a young boy painting, and playing in the snow.

Steve Grant, minister, lead the service.

He said: “I doubt there is anyone here today whose life hasn’t been enriched by knowing him.”

Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ then came on as the ceremony ended.

Family and friends gathered outside to release blue balloons carrying messages to Nathan.

The teenager, of Connaught Avenue, Padgate, was found dead in the Manchester Ship Canal on February 1 after going missing for five days.

His family have asked for donations to be made to Cheshire Search and Rescue and Staffordshire Search and Rescue.

To do so go to cheshire-sarteam.org/donate.html and ssart.org/donations.html.