A poem written by Christleton High School drama students about their friend Dominic Arnold was read aloud at his funeral yesterday.

The 16-year-old's friends paid tribute to him in the service at St James' Church, Christleton, 11 days after he died alongside classmate Tristan Cook in a car crash.

The drama group have also placed the keen performer's uni-cycle in Christleton High School drama studio, next to a wall of photos of Dominic and a pile of juggling balls built by his friends.

The juggling balls that Dominic, known as Dom, used have been placed at the site of the crash on the A41 near Broxton. The funeral at 2pm saw hundreds of friends and family pack into the Christleton church for the service, taken by Canon Peter Lee, the rector and a Christleton High School governor.

Dom's stepfather, Christleton dentist Damien Murphy, paid tribute to his stepson, who lived with his mother Erica and Mr Murphy in Boughton.

Canon Lee gave a reading from John Chapter 14, which includes the words 'Peace is my parting gift to you'.

Some of Dom's favourite music was played to the congregation.

Friends this week said Dom, a vegetarian, was against animal cruelty and often stuck stickers with ethical messages around school. Donations in his memory are being made to animal welfare charities.

He spent weekends working as a marshal at Alpha 5-5 skirmish site in Holywell, where he enjoyed airsoft and paintballing combat sports.

Alpha 5-5 owner Chris Smith said his friends will tomorrow play a game in his memory and will dedicate an annual tournament to him.

He added: 'He was a great lad, he was extremely lively and had a very sharp sense of humour.

'Everybody who came into contact with him, even if it was only for 10 minutes, remembered him and liked him.'

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Hundreds celebrate Tristan's unique legacy > > >

Hundreds celebrate Tristan's unique legacy

A hundred balloons in the colours of Leeds United were set free into the night sky as family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Tristan Cook on Wednesday.

Each balloon carried a personalised message for Tristan, as they floated through the air at Boughton Hall Cricket Club. This was followed by a spectacular firework display, also themed in the colours he was proud to be associated with.

The club, where Tristan played for Chester Nomads FC, was packed with people who were there to pay their respects, and reminisce about the many happy and often amusing memories they shared with him.

A funeral service earlier in the day at St James' Church, Christleton saw hundreds of Tristan's friends and family pack into the aisles.

His school friends acted as pallbearers and his teacher Kate Saxon gave a reading from 1 Corinthians 13. School governor and St James' rector Canon Peter Lee took the service.

Tristan's father Hadyn Cook, of Waverton, paid tribute to his son and his mother and sisters read the poem Keep my Memory.

Tristan's sister Bryony, 17, said: 'It means so much how many people have turned up today - it just shows how special and loved he was. He will always be the best brother that I could have ever have, and I will never forget his constant smiles, and his ability to light up the room.'

Photographs of Tristan were played in a slideshow throughout the evening, of happy times, such as family holidays, and nights out with his friends.

Tristan's football coach Neill Fraser said: 'To see so many people is a great tribute to Tris and his family. Both Jayne and I are extremely proud of the way Tristan's teammates have shown their affection and respect throughout this very difficult period.'

Music pumped out of the speakers, playing all of Tristans favourite songs, including Fix up, look sharp, by Dizzee Rascal, Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio, and I believe I can fly by R Kelly.

Tristan's step-sister, Katherine Hannible, said: 'All his friends turning up to his tribute would mean so much to him, and just shows how he made his mark on Chester.'

Tristan carried a donor card and his family have been told his decision to be a donor has saved four people's eyesight.

The tribute was described by many as a 'Lovely, lovely horrible day.'

Picture tributes

Photos of Tristan's funeral and tribute party were taken at his family's request by friend Steve Grindley. Free copies for friends are available from www.digital-dreams.co.uk

To see these photos, please view our picture gallery here

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