TWO hundred white balloons, carrying the dove of peace and a prayer, were released into the air when Joe Geeling's funeral cortege stopped briefly at St Gabriel's.

In emotional scenes, more than 1,000 grieving pupils and staff assembled in Bridge Road to pay their own special tribute to their much-loved schoolfriend.

As Joe's coffin passed by, the youngsters, dressed immaculately with their hands clasped in front of them, bowed their heads in silent prayer.

A short time later, a candlelit vigil involving the entire school community was held in the hall to coincide with the requiem mass for Joe at Guardian Angels RC Church, Elton, on March 31.

It was not just the school which honoured Joe.

Across Bury, union flags at all public buildings, and the fire brigade ensigns at the borough's three fire stations, were flown at half mast as workers observed a two-minute silence.

Earlier, two police outriders flanked the funeral cortege as it left Joe's home in Devon Street.

Onlookers bowed their heads as the flower-laden hearse carrying Joe's coffin led a procession of 30 family cars and around 100 motorcycles from the Crusaders Motorcycle Club, of which Joe and his father Tom were members.

Scores of people lining the processional route stood solemnly, including students and staff outside Holy Cross College. Men, women and children quietly wept as the cortege weaved through the town.

At Guardian Angels RC Church in Harvey Street, hundreds of people gathered for the service. One grieving teenage boy was hugged tightly by his mum and men, women and other pupils wept openly as the cortege drew up outside the church.

The 750-strong congregation included family, friends and pupils from St Gabriel's and Guardian Angels Primary School, where Joe had been a pupil.

Police, fire and mountain rescue volunteers involved in the search for Joe were also among the mourners, who sang I Watch the Sunrise as Joe's dad Tom, and three family members, including his older brother Sean and his uncle Steve, carried the coffin into church.

In an emotional eulogy, Mr Geeling choked back tears as he paid tribute to those who were involved in the search for Joe when he went missing after school.

He said: "On that fateful night when Joe was missing, we were petrified. The anguish and pain was unbearable.

"Total strangers turned out in freezing temperatures to look for Joe but it was all to no avail.

"We will never forget those efforts of everyone concerned and we will remain eternally grateful."

He added: "Over the last few weeks, many people have said they would not be able to cope if this had happened to them. Gwen has been the rock beneath me and hopefully vice versa. We have been drawing on Joe's strength and tenacity. He endured more grief in his short life than most of us ever will. With him as an example, we will get through this.

"We will need justice for Joe and, in the very early days, I was struggling against thoughts of hate and revenge.

"But all that pales into insignificance with the thought that nothing will ever bring him back. Joe has a VIP pass to the top.

"God bless you Joe; nobody can hurt you now."

Mr Geeling's stirring tribute was followed by lengthy applause at the 90-minute Catholic mass which was attended by 750 people, while another 200 watched a video link in the church's hall. Many more listened to the service outside.

The Catholic Dean of Bury, Reverend Paul Cannon, who led the service, said Joe had "brought colour to his family's lives".

"When a child dies, we are inclined to say what a pity he died before he was able to blossom fully," he said.

"When we speak like that we speak of promise rather than achievement and that is unfair to Joe.

"The most important thing about Joe is not what he might have achieved, but the fact that he achieved much in his short life.

"Through these tragic events of the past four weeks, what parent hasn't hugged their child a little tighter?"

He continued: "The beautiful thing about children is that they teach us adults how to live: their vision is so fresh and clear, they are always themselves. That is what makes them unique.

"I'm sure all those who knew Joe would see that freshness and clarity in his vision of life. He has taught us how to live, to enjoy and live each day to the full, for Joe did.

"Now Joe is with Jesus. Children walk straight into the Kingdom of Heaven. They need no passport, no entry ticket. They walk in and begin to play before the face of God."

The Offertory Hymn was Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace and during communion, the congregation sang This Is What Yahweh Asks Of You.

The Responsorial Psalm was sung by a soloist from St Gabriel's High School and after communion, children from St Gabriel's High and Guardian Angels Primary sang Panis Angelicus, The Lord Bless You And Keep You and Gaelic Blessing.

During the incensing and blessing of the coffin, the congregation sang Song of Farewell and the recessional hymn was Walk With Me Oh My Lord.

Following communion and Mr Geeling's address, other members of Joe's family paid their own tribute to him.

His sister Danielle, speaking on behalf of Joe's siblings, Sean, Kelly and James, said: "We were the ones who got to spoil Joe and buy him things we knew his mum and dad wouldn't approve of.

"Joe taught us how to treat every day as a treasure and you will struggle to find someone more in awe of Joe than us. He was the most fun-loving brother anyone could have wished for."

His uncle David Lynch described Joe as the closest thing to a son. He said: "Joe was a special person who would never cease to amaze us with his attitude to life and his desire to know about everything. Over the last 11 years we had so many great times with him. I'm so proud of you Joe and I want to thank you for all the memories you have given to us."

Church officials relayed the service on speakers to those outside and on a big screen in the community centre to accommodate guests unable to be seated in the nave. The Order of Service also featured a message from Joe's parents, Tom and Gwen. It read: "The love and concern of so many people and the support we have received at this terrible time has touched us all deeply. We have received many, many cards and expressions of sympathy, which have given us strength and comfort and we thank everyone for their kindness."

As the service came to an end, Joe's family carried his coffin to the hearse and the cortege was given a police escort as it made its way to Bury Cemetery for a private burial.