SYLVIA and Clive Carter said a final farewell to their brave son Tony Stone at a service held to celebrate his short life.

Tony died aged 39 after scans failed to show a giant tumour developing inside his brain.

After being given the all clear at the age of nine, the growth developed slowly until it finally claimed his life last Monday after 32 years.

More than 120 friends, colleagues, carers and members of Tony's family gathered at Kingsdown Crematorium yesterday to pay their final respects to the man who became known for his strength and courage.

Chaplain Ros Wheble told those who crammed the chapel: "Tony was a special person and right up until the end he kept his sense of humour and even when he found it difficult to communicate he still managed to make people laugh."

Tony, who lived in Haydon Wick, had worked at the Lloyds Bank business centre in Old Town for more than 14 years.

His colleagues had been given the afternoon to attend Tony's funeral. Also present were many of the friends Tony had made during respite visits to the Prospect Hospice.

Addressing the mourners the chaplain said: "Tony talked about the meaning of life with me before he died. He found his faith a tremendous support during his illness.

"He said he knew Jesus and knew his future."

After the service guests made their way to the Blunsdon House Hotel.