THE grieving mother of teenage shooting victim Anthony Rigby told mourners about her precious and special son and said: "His death was pointless."

A speech written by Carole Rigby was read out to friends and family by Father Clive Birch at the funeral service, at Pleasington Crematorium.

Mrs Rigby said her only son Anthony doted on and was doted upon by his friends and close-knit family.

The 18-year-old former Beardwood High School pupil died on January 11 at the Royal Preston Hospital four days after he suffered shot wounds to the head at his flat, in Swift Close, Blackburn.

He was two days short of his 19th birthday.

Fr Birch, who officiates at the Good Shepherd RC Church, in Earl Street, Blackburn, near to the Rigby family home, said although he had never met Anthony, he shared the distress of those who had come to pay their final respects.

Such was the attendance, mourners, including his sisters Paula and Maria, stood in the doorway while Fr Birch's sermon was relayed over speakers.

He said: "So many hearts here are troubled.

"A boy with everything to live for has suddenly been taken away from us. It's hard to realise that all this has happened.

"It takes time for this kind of thing to set in.

"From what I gather Anthony was a really good lad, much loved and appreciated by those people he knew. You can see that by the number of people who have turned up today."

Fr Birch went on to describe keen Rovers fan Anthony, who also played for local team Rileys FC, as a "considerate and caring" young man who would see his family on a daily basis.

It was believed to be his mother who found Anthony after the shooting.

Fr Birch then read out a speech written by his mum Carole, who sobbed throughout the service.

Her statement said: "What happened to Anthony Rigby on January 7 2002 was a pointless loss of a young boy's life.

"Everything he was looking forward to was taken away from him so suddenly. His friends and his family are struggling so much to understand and imagine life without Anthony.

"Two days after he died he would have been 19 and was looking forward so much.

"He was a devoted and precious son, a special brother, a special nephew and a special grandson."

Mourners braved bitter winds to watch as the hearse bearing Anthony's coffin arrived.

Flowers in the shape of footballs and a Blackburn Rovers shirt were among the many tributes that lined the vehicle.

One, from his mum, read: "To my darling son, my only son. You always were so special and I love you with all my heart."

Another, from his aunt and uncle, read: "Anthony we will never forget you. We will always remember the fun and the laughter." Inside the church Fr Birch said the family wished to thank everyone for their comments, their support and their guidance through this tragic time.

A teenager has been remanded in custody charged with Anthony's murder.

Mark Peter Harrington, of St James Road, Blackburn, appeared at Preston Crown Court last week for a preliminary hearing.

The case was listed for plea and direction at a hearing on March 27 and he was remanded in custody.

Harrington is also charged with possession of a .38 Olympic handgun.