HUNDREDS of people attended the funeral of Thomas Jones.

Thomas’ childhood friend, Harley Hetherington, who was studying Primary Initial Teacher Education at the University of Worcester with him, was at the service, which took place on Friday, November 9 at Redditch Crematorium.

Harley said: “Around 400 people was at the funeral.

“The Crematorium usually only holds up to 160 people in the main room. There was a lot of people stood up in there and some were watching the service from outside.

“The West Brom song, The Liquidator was playing while they were taking Tom through.

“I haven’t been to many funerals before, but it was the longest one I have been to. The service began at 2.45pm and it was around 4.30pm when everyone left for the wake.

“A lot of people who showed up to pay their respects didn’t know Tom, but they knew what had happened to him.

“It was very emotional when they played the tributes. One of the videos was what I made.

“Everyone that wanted to say something said their bit. It was a nice occasion and a lovely send off for Tom.”

Tributes were played throughout the service on TV screens showing photographs of Tom.

Many of the individuals who spoke at the funeral mentioned Thomas’ love for football and his devotion towards West Bromwich Albion.

Friends and family were sharing stories about Thomas, including his former PE teacher David Bayliss of South Bromsgrove High school.

His family stayed behind to spend time with Thomas before moving on to Bromsgrove Rugby Club for the wake. More people who knew Tom attended the wake at the rugby club to pay their respects.

The 18-year-old’s body was discovered in the River Severn on September 28 following a major search after the student went missing. Thousands of people helped the search for Tom, with a social media campaign.