HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at Weaverham Church last Wednesday, to pay their final tributes to 13-year-old Ian McPherson.

Ian collapsed and died two weeks ago, following some kind of massive brain trauma. Last week, his family, and friends from Manchester Grammar School made sure his funeral reflected the kind of boy he was.

Weaverham vicar Rev Michael Ridley described the atmosphere at his funeral as "heavenly."

"It was a very beautiful service," he said. "There were a hundred young people from Manchester Grammar School there, and 50 of them were in the choir. They sang a beautiful anthem which really raised the spirits of everyone. "

Ian was a gifted violinist, and his teacher, Gillian Bradley, performed a recital of Ave Maria.

Mr Ridley added: "I don't think anybody had a dry eye after her recital. The music seemed to stay in the air, even after she had finished.

"I talked about Ian's ability to charm anyone he met. He was obviously someone who people trusted."

The church was filled with lillies, which had been requested by Ian's mother, Noboku, who is Japanese.

Mr Ridley added: "Flowers are very important in Japanese funerals. So our flower ladies had done a wonderful job, with lillies all around the church."

Noboku and Alex, Ian's father, have thanked personally everyone who played a part in the funeral.

Alex added: "We thank them for their sympathies, and for the effort they put in on that emotional day.

"We are particularly thankful that Noboku's mother has been able to go back home to Japan, proud of what her grandson had achieved in his life, as shown to her by the people who knew him."

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