Rhys Jones laid to rest

He was an 11-year-old boy who loved life, football, his family and his friends.

Today, Everton and Liverpool stars joined relatives and thousands of mourners at the funeral of Rhys Jones, gunned down in a Liverpool car park last month.

Tribute to the football fan

Everton stars joined Rhys' family and thousands of mourners at the funeral service. Many wore brightly-coloured football shirts in tribute to the schoolboy's favourite game.

After the service, Rhys' mother kissed his coffin goodbye as the Bishop of Liverpool said the family's dignity had restored hope and honour to a community shamed by the crime.

Rhys Jones was shot dead just over two weeks ago as he made his way home from football practice. His killer still has not been found. The funeral at Liverpool's Anglican Catherdeal was open to all - his family said it was a celebration of his life.

Eleven candles for Rhys

The coffin, in the Everton colours, Rhys' favorite team, made its way through the appluding crowds to the entrance to the cathedral, a cortege of ten cars behind with members of Rhys' family.

His father Steven and his brother Owen helped to carry the coffin followed by hundreds of mourners.

Inside, as Rhys' coffin came into sight, the gathering broke out into spontaneous applause. The choir sang as eleven candles were lit, one for each year of Rhy's short life, his friends standing over the coffin in an act far beyond their years.

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