HUNDREDS of mourners paid their respects to a talented teenager who died just days before taking his GCSE exams.

Former Kearsley Academy pupil Kaine Shuttleworth was described as a "legend and best friend" by father Steven at his funeral service at St Osmunds Church in Breightmet.

The huge crowd of well-wishers were wearing purple in reference to the colour of the cystic fibrosis emblem, the condition which killed 16-year-old Kaine.

Kaine died at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital with his family, including mum Jamie, by his bedside on May 15.

He had been admitted to hospital for a routine operation on his throat on April 28, but doctors found a bleed on his lung.

St Osmunds Church was so full that dozens of well-wishers had to stand at the back while others had to wait in the doorway of the church.

Teachers, staff and pupils from Kearsley Academy were among the congregation.

Kaine's father Steven, choking back tears, said: "Kaine was an outstanding young man with the world at his feet.

"He was more than a son to me, he was my best friend. We would tell each other everything and anything and would laugh and cry together.

"He is a legend and I am blessed to be his dad. I will miss and love him forever."

Kaine's coffin, adorned with a wreath spelling 'sonshine', was taken to Overdale Crematorium for committal after the service.

The congregation were read prayers and bible readings, as well as music chosen by the family, including Hold Back the River by James Bay and Days by The Kinks.

Father Geoffrey Hilton, who led the service, said: "Speaking with Kaine's family, I was told how he coped with the condition, how generous he was. I'm told he could be a rascal at times but then aren't we all?

"There is no doubt that life has been immensely enriched for knowing him. Of course he could have lived a bit longer. He could have lived without the condition into a grand old age. But he has not.

"There are a lot of people out on the streets and they would simply say 'what a disaster' if told of this news.

"But from what I've heard, his life has been anything but a disaster."

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition which causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, and there is currently no cure.

Kaine, diagnosed with it aged seven months old, was affectionately known as Sheldon, a character from US show The Big Bang Theory.

An A-grade pupil, he had dreams of becoming a scientist and was voted head of student council by his peers every year he was at Kearsley Academy.

Kaine, who grew up in Breightmet, also leaves his six-year-old half brother Marshall and two-year-old half sister Millie.