THE funeral of 19-year-old Carl Vause on May 18 at St Gabriel's Church, Brownhill, Blackburn, brought flocks of people from every direction. The pews were full, the aisles were full with scores of people stood at the back and overflowing outside. All for the love of this young man.

Carl was only 19 years old but had had such a full life that everyone who knew him will have been proud.

Scores of people, young and old, arrived at the church wearing Blackburn Rovers shirts specially printed with Vausey 9.

The courage of two young men who paid tributes to Carl was fantastic, especially tales which filled the church with laughter.

Then the teacher from Pleckgate school who used to help Carl with his footy asked us to give Carl a standing ovation. The sound was deafening.

God bless you Carl, you stay "wicked" in heaven.

MAGS WHITELEY, Police Volunteer for Brownhill and Roe Lee.