THE sister of Mason Jones reduced hundreds of mourners to tears when she sang at his funeral.

Members of the 400-strong congregation at St Joseph's RC Church wept openly as eight-year-old Adee Jones performed a moving rendition of Tomorrow from the musical Annie. Her brave solo performance was a fitting tribute to her younger brother Mason who died two weeks ago in a freak accident. The pirate-loving six-year-old was playing with his twin sisters, Danica and Tionne, aged 5, at home in Walmersley Road. He was hanged when a skipping rope game went tragically wrong. On Monday, Walmersley came to a virtual standstill as hundreds of people said farewell. A skull and crossbones flag was draped over his white coffin. As Mason, described by his parents as a "little man with a big heart", was taken on his final journey via his school, St Joseph and St Bede's RC Primary, two dozen black pirate balloons were released by children shouting "Mason" in honour of their classmate.

His parents, Jenni and Damian, were joined by around 150 parents and pupils in a silent procession as the coffin was carried on a horse-drawn hearse from the school to St Joseph's RC Church.

Bury police officers, many of whom had voluntarily given up their day off, provided an escort.

In church, Father Robert Morrow described the Mass of Angels funeral service as a "joyful celebration of Mason's life".

He said: "I do not think any of us can begin to understand what his parents have faced two weeks ago. In one awful moment, their whole world was turned upside down. Many mothers in Bury and across the nation gave their children an extra hug when they heard of Mason's death.

"No one can explain how some people can die aged six and others can live to the age of 106.

"Mason is a little angel in heaven. It is very hard to believe that he is dead but the sun will shine again."

The congregation sang Colour of Day and the offertory hymn Gifts of Bread and Wine before taking communion.

One of his teachers described Mason as a "lovely, happy boy who had lots of friends", while headteacher Mrs Sue McAvady said: "Mason loved school. He will be very much missed by us all."

The final hymn was Bind Us Together Lord.

Then Adee paid her own special tribute to her brother which drew applause from the congregation.

The funeral service was followed by private burial at Bury Cemetery.

Speaking after laying her son to rest, Mason's mum, Jenni said: "The amount of people who turned out was unbelievable and it gave us the strength to get through it."