The courageous words of schoolboy Elliot Davies provided inspiration for hundreds of mourners who gathered for his funeral service.

Elliot, 13, of Blakeway, near Wedmore, Somerset, died after he was hit by a car which skidded onto the verge as he waited for his school bus beside the B3151 near Mudgley.

Elliot, a member of Gemini Tae Kwon-Do club, and a junior black belt, had told in his essay for his black belt how the discipline of his sport had helped him cope with the death of his father.

Members of The Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain from all over the South West attended Elliot's funeral at Yeovil Crematorium yesterday, along with family and friends, including staff and pupils from Kings of Wessex School, Cheddar.

Jane Lambert, Gemini's senior instructor, paid tribute to Elliot's courage at the service. She said: "We will all remember Elliot for his energy, his cheeky grin, that twinkle in his eye, but Elliot had himself experienced, and overcome, the pain and bitterness of grief."

She said that in his essay Elliot wrote: "Tae kwon-do has taught me that with integrity, perseverance, and especially indomitable spirit, even in the darkest times, nothing is insurmountable. Tae kwon-do has helped me through some difficult times in my life. When I thought about giving up and letting grief take over me, indomitable spirit was there to remind me you should do your utmost to never give up."

The instructress said: "For me, the most fitting way in which we can honour Elliot is to draw strength from his strength.

"To continue on the journey of our lives with his endless energy and enthusiasm."

She described Elliot as a "little whirlwind" and said: "I feel honoured to have had the privilege of watching Elliot grow into a wonderful young man. He often put others before himself. He showed a great strength of spirit and was always respectful.

"And for Elliot, failing just wasn't an option."

Tanya Majewicz, Gemini's school administrator described Elliot as "an inspiration to everyone".

Elliot was carried into the service in a simple woven willow coffin. His mother, Kirsty, and brother, Liam, had said all would be welcome and some wore bright clothes, or their Tae Kwon-Do kit to celebrate Elliot's spirit.

His family described him as "bright and chirpy, proactive and intelligent, with a slight twist of darkness".

Gemini Tae Kwon-Do has launched an appeal to raise at least £2,000 in Elliot's memory for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, which airlifted him to Royal United Hospital, Bath, after the accident.

It has raised more than £600. To donate visit www.facebook.com and follow the link to www.justgiving.com on Elliot's tribute page.