HUNDREDS of people have turned out to say goodbye to Harrow Weald's “fallen soldier”.

Friends and family paid their respects to 19-year-old Danny Fernandes in a funeral that brought tears to the eyes of children, teenagers and adults from across the area.

His sister Lucy, 21, sung Danny Boy while friends read poems and tributes to a boy whose tragic story has brought the community together.

One friend said: “For most of us here acceptance seems a long way away but we will find it, and maybe then we can start to live again.”

Danny was hit by a train at Headstone Lane station two weeks ago today sending hundreds of teenagers into shock.

Dozens of flowers have been laid for him outside NatWest, in High Road, a spot known as “his corner”, and the bank gave permission for a poster to be put up in its window.

Friends have made t-shirts with his photo on and held late night vigils to remember their friend and the impact he had on their lives.

As teenagers crowded into St Michael and All Angels Church, in Bishop Ken Road, one of his sisters told those gathered how he made her proud by helping others, and shared her memories of her younger brother.

She said: “When I was small I'd have to write essays about how much I loved him on greetings cards because I always knew he'd read them all.

“One of the things that prays on my mind over and over again is that maybe if we hadn't let Danny have as much freedom we might not be here now.

“But I'm sure he might not have known all of you. Now he's with the person he loved – his Nan.”

As his hearse pulled away from the church the cars that followed played “Fallen Soldiers”, by Demarco, one of Danny's favourite songs.

Some had his photo stuck to their bonnets and teenagers filled the pavements to watch him leave.

One friend said: “I really hope I see you again one day. It's going to be very different without you. I hope you find some peace wherever you are. Goodbye Danny.”