A COMMUNITY wept as the grandmother of a baby who died while being cared for by a childminder, read him one final bedtime story.

Around 150 mourners attended St Paul's Church, Low Moor, Clitheroe, for the funeral of Joshua James Massey-Hodgkinson, who died on April 17 while at a babysitter's house in Sabden.

Standing next to his tiny white coffin at the front of the church, his grandmother, Cathy Massey, read an extract from a Winnie the Pooh story before saying: "Goodnight Josh, goodnight."

Members of the congregation wept openly as the nursery rhyme 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' was played.

Earlier in the service, Joshua's uncle, Christopher Massey, had described to the congregation what a character the 19-month-old had become.

He told mourners how Joshua would empty out cupboards then hide in them, and how he had mastered the use of his mother's phone. His parents, Emma Massey and Simon Hodgkinson, of St Paul's Street, Clitheroe, had lost three mobile phones after Joshua had flushed them down the toilet, and once found Joshua had rung relatives in New Zealand.

He was also fascinated by the family's vacuum cleaner, Christopher said, adding that one of his favourite memories of Joshua was watching him spin round while listening to the children's song 'The Wheels On The Bus.' The song was then played in the church, with members of the congregation urged to hum or sing along by the Rev Rodney Nicholson, who led the service.

Christopher added: "Everyone who knew Josh will have their own memories of him. He was such a special person. "Thanks for the memories Josh."

A portrait of Joshua was carried in and out of the service ahead of his coffin, while an array of floral tributes was placed at the front of the church.

They included a replica of his favourite vacuum cleaner, and one of his favourite toys, The Big Red Fun Bus.

Mr Nicholson said: "It is with shock and sadness that we are here today.

"The one thing we can all do is make sure that Josh's family know we are there to support them at this time, and make sure they know Josh is happy."

Small laminated cards with a picture of Joshua were handed out to mourners as they entered the church.

The cards also included the phrase 'you do it' which Rev Nicholson told the congregation had been Joshua's first words to his mother.

His parents chose the Tina Turner song 'Simply the Best' to play as Joshua's coffin was carried out of the church, before being driven to the Waddington Road cemetery for burial.

Donations from the congregation will be given to the 'Child Death Helpine.'

Wendy Barlow, 37, of Eightacre Avenue, Sabden, has been bailed until the middle of next month as police investigations into Joshua's death continue.