FRIENDS, relatives, and former teachers all joined in an outpouring of grief at the funeral service for tragic teenager Jack Large.

The 14-year-old, from Hainault, dead from stab wounds after he was attacked on Chigwell's Limes Farm Estate last November.

At a packed service crowds overflowed from the chapel at Forest Park Cemetery and Crematorium, in Hainault, to hear prayers and tributes to a boy whose life was cut tragically short.

In a procession starting from Jack's home in Yeomen Way, and taking in the spot in Limes Avenue where he was stabbed, a white horse-drawn carriage carried the coffin to the chapel, while floral tributes left outside spelt out "son, grandson, brother."

Inside some of Jack's favourite music was played before Father Jean-Claude Selvini, who led the service, gave a sermon reflecting on the violent end to the teenager's life and the need for hope to come out of tragedy.

He ended: "If Jack's death has any meaning it is to touch us and make us think of changing our lives, if they need to be changed."

A friend of Jack's was invited to perform a rap commemorating his life, before two former teachers delivered speeches about their experience of him.

Maureen Smyth, head of school at New Rush Hall School, in Hainault, where Jack was taught, said that although in many ways a troubled boy, he had really started to bring himself around.

She added she hoped people would look at his tragic death as a reason to reflect on their own lives.

Gary Lesley, head of pupil referral unit the John Barker Centre, in Ilford, who had also taught Jack at New Rush Hall, said the teenager had undergone a "transformation" in recent months from an angry youth to a "handsome young man."

He added: "There was nothing glamorous about his death. It was a terrible, terrible waste."

Prayers were said for Jack's soul before his coffin was taken outside for internment while two white doves were released.

Speaking after the service, Ms Smyth said: "It was a very moving service. It was very respectful. Hopefully some people will have learned something from his death. It was tragic that it happened, it would be even more tragic if people didn't change their lives because of it."

This morning's funeral service followed a requiem mass for Jack the previous day at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, in Manford Way, Hainault, which was attended by friends and family Two boys, aged 13 and 14, from Chigwell, have been charged with the murder of Jack Large. Both are currently being held in secure accommodation before a scheduled appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday (March 17).