A TEENAGER killed in a car crash was described as "charming, polite and charismatic" at his funeral service.

At a ceremony so packed some mourners had to stand outside, a series of tributes were paid to 16-year-old Joshua Parkin, with five friends and his mother, Christina Reed, all giving readings.

The deeply personal service was given by Greek Orthodox Priest, Father Philip Hall, who baptised Joshua and taught him, and said he found the ceremony "very hard".

A tribute written and read by mum-of-seven Mrs Reed, said: "You made a positive impact on everyone you knew and met and will be forever missed but never forgotten for all the right reasons.

"(Your brothers and sister) and I look up to the sky at night and look for the brightest star – we say that it is you coming to say goodnight and blow you a kiss.

"They say the young are taken from their loved ones too soon because they are the best, no-one can and ever will be better than you, you are one in a million and cannot be replaced."

Fr Philip, speaking briefly after the funeral, said Joshua was a "real character".

He said: "It was very hard (giving the service) because I knew Joshua, I knew the family, I'd taught him and some of his brothers.

"There were a lot of people here, which was lovely, he was a very popular young man, a real character, it's very sad."

In his reading during the service, in addition to leading prayers and a blessing, Fr Philip said: "I remember seeing Joshua for the first time when he was in year seven.

"He had a Mohican haircut, a great big engaging grin and a group of children round him, laughing, talking and enjoying his company.

"He was funny, he was naughty, he smiled and smiled, and was charming, polite, charismatic and hardly ever got into trouble– he was loveable and much loved.

"More recently Josh had started an apprenticeship and did well in his GCSEs and would have been continuing his studies. His young life was opening up in front of him and I am sure he would have done well."

One of the teenager's school friends, Brodie Boyle, recalled times the two of them got into mischief and had fun together.

He said: "Josh was two years below me (at school). I got to know him better playing football at the park, he would come for a kickabout but always made sure his family came first as he was the man of the house.

"Josh always stood by his mates. When I think of him I think of a loving, caring cracking kid and foremost, one of the best mates I could ask for.

"He may be gone, but he will always be with us in our hearts."

Close friend Aiden Williams also gave a reading, talking about long-term plans the two had made together.

He said: "(Josh and I spent) five years as best mates.

"Our plan was to join the Army, get our trade within mechanics and open our own garage.

"We had plans to each name our first child after each other, we wanted to grow old as best friends together.

"We were inseparable, we became much more than best friends, we were business partners, blood brothers and he was like family to me.

"If it wasn't for Josh I wouldn't be the person I am today, I owe him a lot and I never got chance to pay him back."