HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to remember a brave Kirkbymoorside teenager who fought three brain tumours before dying aged 14.

The funeral cortege of Lee McLaren slowly made its way up the Market Place to All Saints' Church on Monday, with a bright yellow floral tribute spelling out his name.

Leading the service, Reverend David Purdy said the meaning of the day was to celebrate the life of a very brave and special young man.

Lee was only seven when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour. It returned when he was 10, and then in 2005 it returned once more and doctors told him he didn't have long to live.

At his funeral, family friend Reverend Kim Hurst gave the address. She said: "Lee valued his time with us and used it well. He was a very special person who dealt with an awful illness in an amazing way."

In his tribute, the former headteacher of Kirkbymoorside Primary School, Chris Knowles, spoke with humour about how Lee ran away from school, his love of The Simpsons TV show and of his pet lizard Homer.

He quoted Lee's grandfather, Bill, who said: "What Lee had, along with a wicked sense of humour and a love of life and people, was his innate spirit, strength and determination which can only be equalled, never surpassed."

Mr Knowles added: "Lee was always very grateful to the community for the support everyone offered.

"Lee died in peace... he lived an amazing life, his illness led to him doing more in 14 years than most young people do."

The congregation listened to the song In The End by one of his favourite bands, Linkin Park, and sang the hymns One More Step Along the World I Go and Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.

Lee leaves his mum and step-dad, Jackie and Alan, and brothers Jason, 16, Luke, 12, and eight-year-old Chloe.

Rev Hurst added: "He was always close to his brothers and sister - they have all been extremely strong and a great help to Lee. He wanted to protect them from what was happening but they wanted to journey with him, and no parents could have done more than his."

Later this month, youngsters at Ryedale School, where Lee was a pupil, will pay for the privilege to dress in bright colours as part of a non-uniform day to remember him.

On February 16, pupils will be allowed to come to school in "bright and comfy" clothes, and pay £1 which will go to the children's cancer charity Candlelighters.

The school's headteacher, Geoff Jenkinson, said Lee would be greatly missed at the school and would be remembered as a quiet boy who showed tremendous courage.

Mr Jenkinson said: "Lee will be greatly missed by all the staff and pupils here, especially his peers in Year Ten.

"He showed tremendous courage and strength of character throughout his long illness and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this extremely difficult time."

Updated: 15:05 Wednesday, February 08, 2006