MORE than 100 mourners gathered to say goodbye to much-loved and popular teenager Jack Gudge yesterday.

Dozens of friends and family waited in silence outside the entrance of St Mark’s Church in Talbot Village for the coffin to arrive before following it into the church behind Jack’s parents and siblings.

Eight of Jack’s friends carried the blue coffin, which had an Adidas logo printed on the side, into the church while the Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone, by Gerry and The Pacemakers, was playing.

Around 150 people attended the service to say goodbye to Jack – with many mourners having to stand at the back of the church because it was so full.

Seventeen-year-old Jack died following an incident outside Tesco Express in Wimborne Road, Winton, at around 12.55am on Saturday, July 16 this year.

His parents Jolene and Chris have thanked the community for their support since Jack’s death.

Dad Chris said: “We just want to say a huge thank you to all those people who have rallied round to help and support us through this time.

“The amount of people who have organised events in his memory, or sent us flowers and cards, or just come to check on us at home has been completely overwhelming.”

Jack who was a huge Liverpool supporter also leaves behind younger brothers George, 16, Tommy, 13, and little sister Lily, eight.

Flowers spelling the words ‘grandson’, ‘brother’, ‘Jack’, ‘cousin’ and ‘chav’ were placed around the coffin. There was also flower versions of the Frozen character Olaf and a red and white football.

Jack’s coffin was carried from the church to the sound of Cheerleader, by OMI, before a private burial, followed by a gathering at Wallisdown Liberal Club.

The family has asked that any donations be given to the Dorset Ambulance Service either online at tappersfuneralservice.co.uk or that they be sent to Alan Rice and Tapper Funeral Service, 987 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, BH9 2BS.