HUNDREDS packed into a city church to remember a "beautiful and loving young man" who died after being hit by a train.

So many people turned up to pay their respects at the funeral of 17-year-old Felix Alexander that it was standing room only at St Stephen's Church on Friday.

Mr Alexander was killed when he was hit by a train at Abbotswood Junction, in Norton, just outside Worcester, on April 27.

The service began with the song 'That's Life' by Van Morrison, played as Mr Alexander's coffin, covered in his favourite stickers, was carried into the Barbourne church.

Rev Canon David Tudor, who conducted the service, said everyone was there to come together as a community, to honour him (Mr Alexander), to give thanks and to grieve.

Members of the family, including Mr Alexander's mum, Lucy, and dad, Ratan, read emotional tributes for the teenager which recalled times he played rugby, and remembered his unusual taste in music.

Mrs Alexander said: "Our family and friends - I would like to thank you all for your kindness and love over these last three weeks.

"Thank you for the messages of support left on our doorstep when we weren't able to talk.

"We are so lucky to have such amazing people around us.

"Felix was always incredibly loving, we miss him with every fibre of our being."

She added that if there was one message she could give, it would be that people should always be kind "because you never know what is in people's hearts and minds".

Music was played throughout the service, including Pictures of You by The Cure and Pure Shores by All Saints, while the congregation also joined together to sing Jerusalem.

Feel the Love by Rudimental and Praise You by Fatboy Slim, concluded the service.

Afterwards, the family attended a private committal, while youngsters went on to Pershore High School where they gathered to share their memories of the teenager.

The family have asked anyone who wishes to make a donation in Mr Alexander's memory to support the Place2be charity, which works to offer mental health counselling to young people.

The charity's website can be found at place2be.org.uk.

• The Worcestershire Coroner has opened an inquest into Mr Alexander's death. The hearing is scheduled for noon on Monday, August 15, at Worcestershire Coroner's Court in Stourport.