A HEART-RENDING letter written by a distraught mother to her teenage son who died after being struck by an express train was being read out in church today.

And Linda Graham spoke of how her heart went out to the driver of the train which hit 16-year-old Daniel James Graham on the track near Church and Oswaldtwistle Station.

The letter -- entitled 'A Mother's Feelings' -- was due to be read out at today's funeral by Daniel's cousin Trish Chisholm, of Yates Fold, Blackburn.

Daniel, a former pupil of Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle, lived with his mum in Honey Hole, Blackburn, and also spent time living with his dad Roy in Park Lane, Great Harwood.

The service was being held at Christ Church, Moseley Street, Blackburn prior to cremation at Pleasington.

Because Daniel was an animal lover the family has asked for donations to the RSPCA Animal Shelter, Nearer Holker House Farm, Enfield Road, Altham.

An inquest has been opened and was adjourned until December 1 when it will be held in front of a jury in Blackburn Town Hall.

Daniel was hit by the York to Blackpool train on the Rishton side of Church and Oswaldtwistle station at 11.40am on August 28.

The train was travelling at about 40mph and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Daniel also leaves sister Lyndsey and grandma Daisy.

'A Mother's Feelings'

'DANIEL was always a very honest boy with excellent manners. He was loving, caring and a sensitive individual with not one bad bone in his body.

He had a certain quality and was so precious. No one is perfect but he was pretty near.

His skin was like peaches and cream, a lovely complexion. He was extremely particular about the way he looked and loved his trainers thoroughly clean.

He was quite a private person in some ways but always craved friendship. Over the years he had quite a few friends, three in particular who he always spoke highly of.

Daniel used to like a laugh, had a good sense of humour and was of a quiet nature.

As a young boy he loved Transformers, anything with gadgets and watches with dials and that lit up. He adored doing jigsaws, loved football and helping me with everyday chores and he always complimented people. He was very observant and extremely compassionate and never called anyone and got cross with me for doing so. He always said I love you before going to bed.

Daniel did not see bad in anyone which is why God called him before me but I wish he could have taken me first and let him have a terrific life as he so deserved.

I could write about Daniel and his superb nature forever. He is in a better place and we will be together again.

He didn't get the chance to experience so many wonderful things like his first kiss, falling in love or having heart to hearts.

He loved animals and he had many values.

Daniel could have been a lovely young man. He would have made many people happy and could have achieved a great deal.

My very special friend Trish has been a tower of strength to us all.

Daniel knew his family adored him like he did us.

My darling son had lived with me for 16 years and his dad for the last few months and our hearts are broken and we feel every emotion possible. How will we live without him?

Daniel is with me now in spirit but I will miss him dreadfully as life without him will have no meaning.

My heart goes out to the driver of the train for the pain he must have felt when my precious son met his death by tragic accident.

And finally, this is not cleverly written but it is straight from the heart.

Good night and god bless sweetheart. Love you forever.'