Friends use pedal power at funeral of Wigan schoolboy killed in hit-and-run crash

A blue coffin marked Jack's love of Manchester City

Teenagers turned out in force yesterday for the funeral of 13-year-old Jack Worwood, who died after a hit-and-run crash in Ashton earlier this month.

Some boys even wore T-shirts featuring pictures of Jack as they cycled behind the procession heading to his funeral.

The cortege set off from Jack’s home on Wotton Drive in Ashton and first went to Byrchall High School, where he was a pupil.

A black hearse carried his coffin, which was sky blue for the Manchester City fan and draped with a club scarf.

Floral tributes, including one spelling “Jack”, were mostly white with blue ribbons.

Jack’s family had asked mourners to wear Manchester City colours and create a “line of blue” as they gathered on the streets to watch the procession pass in silence.

After pulling into a bus bay outside the school so classmates and teachers could pay their respects, the procession continued to St Thomas’ Church for a funeral.

Friends cycled behind the hearse as it made its way to the church

An online appeal set up to help cover the costs of the send-off saw more than £7,500 donated in memory of Jack.

The schoolboy died on July 8, a day after being seriously injured when he was hit by a car on Old Road in Ashton.

Jack had been walking on the pavement and was going to meet friends to play football.

He was rushed to hospital for treatment, but medics could not save him.

In a statement released via the police, Jack’s family said: “You only had to meet Jack once and you knew Jack.

“He was a rascal, but a sweet little rascal - cheeky, loving and soft hearted. You could never be mad at him for long, as he’d soon have you laughing and kissing him again.

“He loved football, playing on his PlayStation and doing maths at school. He aspired to be an accountant and we knew he’d have done it, he was so bright.

“He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He was such a character; so adorable.

“Love you so much Jack - from dad, step-mum Tracy, step-sister Caitlyn-Marie, mum, step-dad Lee and big brother Connor.

“We are absolutely astonished by the amount of condolences we have had so far - truly blown away, and want to pass on our gratitude to you all."