Hundreds of mourners packed a Lytham church as the eight-year-old’s grieving family said a final farewell to him on Tuesday.

Joshua’s coffin, in the colours of his favourite football team Manchester United, and displaying the club crest, was carried into St Cuthbert’s Church.

It had made the journey there in a white, horse-drawn carriage.

Pastor Rick Oldland, of Ansdell Baptist Church, which Joshua and his family attended, led the service in front of a screen showing photos of the schoolboy.

Pastor Oldland read out a tribute from Joshua’s father Jason who described his son as his “beautiful boy”.

Joshua, a pupil of King Edward and Queen Mary School, was found hanged in his bedroom at Lytham Quays by his grandmother on June 5.

His death was the third tragedy to hit the family in lest than a year.

His mother Sarah died in March and his grandfather John died in September, both from cancer.

The tribute included the words: "Those who knew us well could see the bond we had. He was a loved and loving lad and I miss him desperately.

"My beautiful boy will remain forever in my heart. He was my anchor.

"Joshua spoke about his mother Sarah, about things they had done.

"I made sure her memory wasn't forgotten – she was still a part of our lives and this helped Joshua and I immensely.

"He was rarely upset but he did tell me he missed her hugs.

"He was a very loving boy - always kissing and cuddling his family.

"Our last words to each other were 'I love you'."

Joshua was a goalkeeper for Lytham St Annes YMCA under-eights football team and his hobbies included riding his motorbike, playing football and frisbee.

Pastor Oldland said: "We are going to miss him dreadfully.”

A private burial service was held at Park Crematorium, Lytham.

Colin Sneath, director of marketing and development at KEQMS, said: “There was a large number of members of staff at the funeral, including the principal and John Rice, head of the preparatory school and members of staff who taught Joshua from three years old.”

Family and friends have set up a Joshua Aldred Memorial Trust Fund, with donations being used to fund local projects and organisations in memory of the youngster.

Last week the Express carried a message of condolence from Manchester United to Joshua's family.

A club spokesman said: “Sir Alex and everyone at the club send our thoughts and prayers to his family at this tragic time.”