HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to say a tearful farewell to tragic teenager Sean Green.

Family, friends and former classmates attended a service at Sacred Heart Church, Westhoughton, yesterday.

Wreaths of white flowers spelling out the popular teenager's catchphrase - Sean woz 'ere - were placed either side of his coffin.

The church was so full that some mourners listened to the service from the hallway.

Trainee mechanic Sean, aged 17, was hit by a car as he tried to cross the M61, between Westhoughton and Horwich, on March 14. He died in hospital three days later, having suffered extensive head injuries.

Mourners followed the funeral cortege from the family's home, in Whitsundale, Westhoughton, to the church, in Lord Street, for the 1pm, traditional Catholic service.

Sean's devastated family - parents Michael and Sheila and brothers Martin, aged 15, and Stuart, aged 18 - led the procession, as youngsters from his former school, Sacred Heart Primary, lined the route along Cherwell Road.

An arrangement of white lilies and roses covered the teenager's coffin. A card, attached, read: "The tears and the pain will always be in our hearts. The hole you have left in our lives will only be filled with the sands of time and the thoughts of your smile. You will always be missed and never forgotten. Our beautiful son, Sean."

A tribute from his grandparents read: "Party with the angels". and another message read: "You'll be greatly missed. Westhoughton will be a quiet place without you."

Father Michael Quinlan welcomed the congregation to a celebration of the life of the former St Joseph's RC High School pupil in Horwich, as sunshine fittingly filled the church.

Westlife's You Raise Me Up was played as the coffin was brought in.

Father Quinlan's delivered a moving tribute to Sean. He said: "Ever the joker, the comedian, Sean put his heart into everything. You simply couldn't fall out with him, he was that type of person. He had a wide circle of loyal and devoted friends."

He recalled anecdotes of Sean's school days and raised a smile by recounting how he would sell biscuits to friends on the school bus journey home.

He said: "When we think of Sean at his best, we think of a young man brimming with energy, promise and laughter."

Prayers were led by a small group of Sean's friends. They said: "In life, Sean was a source of happiness for all his family and friends. In death, Sean will continue to be a source of inspiration."

Traditional readings were given and hymns - I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky and I Watch The Sunrise - were led by the St Joseph's school choir. Mourners reflected in silence as The Dubliners' Lord of the Dance was played over speakers, in memory of the fun-loving young man.

Sean's father, Michael, thanked the congregation and gave a short tribute to close the service. He said: "Although he was a joker, Sean was also a very, very loving son and me and Sheila were very, very proud of him. It is true - Sean woz ere."

Pop ballad, How Do I Live, by Leanne Rimes, was played as the funeral procession left the church for a private burial. Friends were invited to join the family for the wake at Westhoughton Conservative Club.

Following the service, two friends paid personal tributes to Sean.

Ali Rushton, aged 17, said: "Sean lit up every room he entered. It was never boring when you were with him, he's left us with a lot of great memories.

"Sean would do anything for his friends or family. He had a lot of respect for his mum and dad."

James Caffrey, aged 16, said: "He was a top lad, he never stopped smiling. Sean was known for that grin and he'll never be forgotten."

The three boys, who had gone through primary and secondary school together, had been known as The Three Musketeers.

The Sean Green Book of Condolence has now closed, but you can read all the messages HERE