FOUR hundred mourners wore their favourite football shirts to celebrate the life of 13-year-old Ross Kilpatrick today.

A giant flag of Glasgow Rangers was also draped over the schoolboy’s white coffin at St Peter’s Church, Darwen, to mark his love of the game, and roses in Blackburn Rovers' blue and white were carried in.

Ross was found dead in his bed by dad Derick on September 30 at his home in Turkey.

He had moved there with mum Lila and his father, a former landlord of the Brookside pub, to the south Aegean resort of Altinkum, three years ago from the family home in Carr Road.

During the 30 minute service, Derick gave a moving speech about his “sadly missed” son.

He said: “When Ross was four months old, he picked up and infection and became seriously ill.

"We almost lost him, and he was a tiny child until seven years old.

“But when he started talking, he never shut up! That was Ross.

Ross’s family are looking for help towards the cost of the funeral, after paying thousands to fly his body back to the UK.

A fundraiser will be held at the Bridgewater, in Church Street, on Sunday from 6pm featuring a free buffet, kareoke, raffle and collection.

Adam Hulme, manager of the Bridgewater, has agreed to give 50p from each drink sold to the appeal.