AN ARMY of beanie-clad friends stood shoulder to shoulder in a heartbreaking farewell to beloved teenager Tim Pullen at his funeral in Stratton today.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the packed-out chapel, with mourners spilling onto the road at Kingsdown Crematorium as family and friends shared treasured memories of the former Dorcan Academy and Swindon College pupil, who died in his sleep just 11 days after celebrating his 18th birthday on May 18.

Tim, who was training with Talent Express to get his forklift truck and counter balance licences and was renowned for wearing his beanie hat, even in bed, died in the early hours of May 29.

In a poignant ceremony, aimed as much at lightening and consoling the heavy hearts of his nearest and dearest as paying tribute to a boy dubbed a ‘legend in his own lifetime’, friends, families and colleagues joined in both tears and laughter to celebrate his short life.

Aptly accompanied by The Hollies’ He Aint Heavy, He’s My Brother, his casket, heavily-laden with flowers, was carried in by the four biological brothers he leaves behind.

During the service, his nephew, James, described how Tim, of Liden, was as much an older brother as an uncle, while friends said while they’d lost a brother, heaven had gained a ‘party animal’.

Overwhelmingly the popular teen, who was well known for being ‘larger than life’ and enjoying passions such as free-running and gaming, particularly Call of Duty - was best remembered for his warmth, thoughtfulness and kindness.

“He would do anything for anybody, he was always helping other people through their problems,” said best friend Aaron Whitehorn shortly after his death.

“Even if you were his worst enemy there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you.”

Even the gaming community spared some thought for the teenager, with friends as far away as Canada holding three minutes silence in his memory during the day to mark his death.

“He was a wonderful son,” said his mother, Pat.

“He was caring and thoughtful and larger than life. I’ll miss his hugs and cuddles.

“Every so often he would be really cuddly, like he was the night before he died.

“He would come and sit between my legs and we’d just talk and play together.

“There’s nothing I won’t miss about Tim.”

During Westlife’s I’ll See You Again the gathering took time to reflect on their own memories of Tim, before filing out to Wiz Khalifa’s See You Again.

The ceremony was followed by a gathering at the Baker’s Arms in Beechcroft Road.

Friends, family and teachers have paid tribute to the youngster.

Following his death Tina May, Tim’s year leader at Dorcan Academy, said: “Tim was a very likeable student who was well thought of by teachers and friends. Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.”

Susanna Jones, communications and PR manager at Swindon Carers Centre, said: “We are very sorry to hear news of Tim’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”