This is the poignant moment hundreds of children formed a guard of honour to remember a school friend who died at home.

More than 1,000 students from Saddleworth School lined the streets of Uppermill as the funeral cortège bearing 12-year-old Tyrese Glasgow passed by on Friday.

Police diverted traffic from the city centre as pupils from the school, mainly in Tyrese’s school year, and 150 teachers stood in silence to pay tribute.

The cortège passed along the high street before pausing briefly outside Saddleworth School and moving onto St James Church on Huddersfield Road for the funeral service.

Firefighters, who were attending a job at the time, also stood to attention and bowed their heads as the procession moved past.

Hundreds of school friends paid tribute to Tyrese

Year seven pupil Tyrese, said to be a ‘wonderful boy who was a friend to everyone’, was found dying at home last month. He was taken to hospital but later died.

Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Rev Paul Plumpton who conducted the service had also baptised Tyrese 12 years ago at the church.

Matthew Milburn, head teacher at Saddleworth School, told the congregation: “Saddleworth School has lost a role model of a pupil.

“A boy whose smile would light up a room . . . a boy whose smile could brighten anyone’s day.

Tyrese Glasgow

“It is hoped that in time, we will be able to smile just like him when we remember the adorable, year seven pupil that was Tyrese Glasgow.”

Helen Bulmer, who has taught at the school since 1990, said: “I thought today’s tribute to Tyrese was one of the most moving events I have witnessed over my time here.

“For me, personally, it made me very proud to have been part of the Saddleworth community for as long as I have and to have had the privilege of a career in teaching.”

Tyrese was laid to rest at Greenacres Cemetery.

Mourners were invited to join family and friends at St Anne’s rugby club, Oldham, in a celebration of his life.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser on Tyrese’s GoFundMe page has reached more than £6,000.

Messages from the family say they are 'absolutely speechless' and overwhelmed by the love shown for him.