Hundreds of people have said their last goodbyes to talented 15-year-old rugby player Troy Atkinson, who died in a hit-and-run crash in Bristol city centre last month.

About 400 mourners, including Troy's relatives, friends, teachers and rugby coaches, filled St Agnes CofE Church in St Paul's to give the popular teenager a moving send off.

The cost of the service was covered by donations made to Troy's family at a sponsored rugby match organised by former team mates and fundraising march from the spot where he was killed in Bristol city centre to his home in Hartcliffe.

Mourners, some sporting RIP Troy T-shirts worn on the march, filed into the church in Thomas Street to some of the teenager's favourite songs including Dreams by Gabrielle at the service this morning.

The coffin, which was patterned with camouflage and decorated with a photograph of Troy with angel wings, was carried into the church by pallbearers including Troy's elder brother Warren.

With some members of the congregation standing because the hall was full, Father Paul Bartle-Jenkins read an eulogy written my Troy's parents Kim and Leon.

He said the teenager was headstrong, loyal, articulate and had made many friends in Bristol, who all loved his ability to make them laugh.

The vicar said fashion-lover Troy also had a softer side and often acted as an 'agony aunt', comforting his friends when they needed a shoulder to cry on.

He said Troy was a tremendous athlete, representing Bristol in athletics and playing a starring role for Nailsea and Backwell rugby club.

Father Bartle-Jenkins said: "He touched the lives of so many people across Bristol and was respected and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Following readings by Troy aunties, Martin Benjamin, of Active8 education, where Troy was schooled, said he and his colleagues had been privileged to witness Troy's 'transition from boy to man' and he added "Rest in peace, Troy".

After a Bible reading and hymn Amazing Grace, incense was burned in the church and mourners were invited to pay their last respects by passing by the open coffin on their way out of the church.

A committal was later held at Bristol South Crematorium before friends and family gathered at Hartcliffe Community Centre and then at the Inkerman pub in St Paul’s.

Former Withywood Community School pupil Troy was out with a friend in Cabot Circus on April 28 when he was hit by a Mercedes at the junction of Penn Street, Broad Weir and Lower Castle Street. He died in Frenchay Hospital after suffering severe head injuries.

Dozens of floral tributes, messages and a Nailsea & Backwell rugby shirt were laid near the scene of the crash outside the Castlemead building.

A march supported by more than 300 friends and family was held a week after the accident to raise money towards the funeral along with a sponsored rugby match between Nailsea & Backwell and an invitation XV in Lockleaze on Sunday.

On Tuesday Mohammed Ahmed, 18, of Eastville, appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with causing Troy’s death by driving dangerously.

Ahmed also faces charges of taking a vehicle without consent, failing to stop after an accident and driving without insurance.

Judge Simon Darwall-Smith remanded Ahmed in custody until September 7.

Friends have posted many messages in tribute to Troy at Lasting Tribute.