A TOWN was brought to a standstill yesterday as around 150 mourners turned out to say a final farewell to young meningitis victim Warren Henderson.

Sadly missed and never to be forgotten was the poignant message from the grieving Oswaldtwistle community who walked through the streets of the town to pay their last respects to the six-year-old.

Mourners walked past his home in James Street and through the town centre behind the flower-laden hearse.

Warren, who died of meningitis last Monday, was laid to rest at Immanuel Church, Oswaldtwistle.

Floral tributes lined the graveside, among them displays from his parents Nicola and Neil and his brothers eight-year-old Anthony and baby Corey.

Colourful displays in the form of a frog - his favourite animal - a dinosaur, star, teddy bear and pink pig were sent by relatives and friends.

A pair of boxing gloves, which he was last seen wearing when playing out in the street, were also included in the tributes.

Leading the procession was funeral director Darren Ramsbottom, who walked the length of the town as a mark of respect. Among the mourners was Steve Isherwood, headteacher of Moor End Primary School, where Warren was a pupil, his year one classteacher Janise Parkinson, nursery nurse Karen Barnes and a number of classmates.

A taped recording of Moor End School choir singing Speckled Hen was played in the church.

Warren died in Booth Hall Hospital, Manchester, after being taken ill two days earlier.

The family is asking for donations to Booth Hall and the National Meningitis Trust.

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