THE aunt of little Mitchell McCarthy, who died in a road accident, has spoken of the comfort the family gained during his funeral.

More than 400 mourners attended the mass at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, in Tovey Road, Rodbourne Cheney, to celebrate the life of the ten-year-old.

His aunt Olivia McCann, 30, whose sister Tina was Mitchell's mother, said: "This was a fantastic celebration of Mitchell with some really special tributes from people who loved him.

"It has helped my sister Tina to see such a brilliant day.

"The children took part in a karaoke afterwards which was really uplifting."

Mourners were given a keepsake to remember Mitchell 500 photographs were printed of his smiling face a tradition in Ireland where Mitchell's family has its roots.

Football fan Mitchell, who was born with Down's Syndrome, lived life to the full and was a member of the Swindon Badgers football club.

Members of the club formed a guard of honour at the funeral and wore football shirts with Mitch emblazoned on the back.

Some of the 400 mourners outside the already packed church listened to the service relayed from speakers.

They heard priest Liam Slattery tell the congregation that the occasions was both a sad and joyful event.

He said: "Time is not important in God's eyes.

"Quality, however long or short, and the impact for good is the measure by which we are judged.

"Mitchell certainly achieved that in his ten short years with the impact of bringing joy and happiness to everyone who knew him. Once you met him you could never forget him.

"No words can describe the anguish and feelings for his family and friends as they cope with this difficult time."

The funeral procession left his home in Carstairs Avenue, past his school, Goddard Park Primary, and on to the church. After the mass there was a burial at Whitworth Road Cemetery.

Mourners gave donations to the Downs Syndrome Association instead of giving flowers.

Mitchell, of Carstairs Avenue, Park South, died as he crossed Queen's Drive on his bicycle and was hit by a car.

The tragedy came just five days after his uncle Michael, Mitchell's mother's brother, was critically injured in a car crash on Pinehurst Road.

Michael is still recovering in hospital. His friend Matthew Styles, 19, was killed in the accident.

Mitchell's mother had more trauma to deal with when her handbag was stolen three days after Mitchell was killed.

The bag contained photographs of her son and a mobile phone with messages of condolence.

The bag was later returned, with the photographs, but the phone, cash and a bank card were missing.

Catherine Turnbull