HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to pay tribute to Michael Utley — the tragic backpacker whose life was cut short while he was travelling in Australia.

There was standing room only at the emotional service at St Bartholomew’s Parish Church in Westhoughton yesterday.

Family and friends remembered the 30-year-old, who lost his life while swimming in sea off the coast of Western Australia last month.

The service brought smiles and tears to the faces of those gathered in grief but also in thanksgiving for a much loved brother, son and friend.

Those who knew the popular plasterer gathered at Park Road in Westhoughton to walk behind his hearse as it made its way to the church.

Others waited in the church grounds and in a symbolic gesture of what Mr Utley meant to them, formed a spontaneous dignified guard of honour as the pall bearers made their way into church.

The overwhelming numbers of people who attended the service meant there was standing room only in the church.

Leading the service, the Rev Gary Lawson called upon the congregation not to just remember Mr Utley’s tragic death, but also to give thanks for his life.

Mr Lawson said: “There are so many people here, which is a great tribute to Mike. Think back over his whole 30 years with us. This is service is one of thanksgiving.”

During the service he remembered Mr Utley as a shy boy at Westhoughton Parochial School.

Mr Lawson said: “He became someone who was very social, very popular, who was a charmer with the ladies and made lots of friends and kept them.”

Paying tribute to her son, Susan Liles thanked those gathered for their support and remembered his smile.

She said: “He was a great inspiration to everybody. He always had a smile on his face.

“Thank you to everyone for their support.”

Traditional hymns were sung and prayers said.

Tears were shed when Enya’s If I Could Be Where You Are was played In a poignant tribute, Mr Utley’s twin brother requested The Hollies’ He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, and one of his sisters Victoria, aged 27, read out a poem, her voice cracking with emotion.

To Sarah Brightman’s Time to Say Goodbye, the coffin was carried out of the church for interment in Westhoughton Cemetery.

Memories of Mr Utley continued to be shared at the reception at The Conservative Club in Westhoughton following the service.

A lasting memorial to Mr Utley in Westhoughton is being planned.