TEARS filled a Severnside church for the funeral of

10-year-old Tom Haile who lost his life to the river.

Family and friends of adventurous Tom heard how he kept a

picture of his mum Jessica under his pillow, as they were

comforted by memories of a short life packed with fun.

"He was very protective of his brother and sisters,

particularly his sisters, Beth and Megan, and he loved his

mum," said the Rev Peter Cheesman, Arlingham's vicar.

Tom, who had been living in Hardwicke, died after being

washed away off a sand flat in the River Severn at Arlingham on

Sunday, July 29.

His body was found the following morning by a member of the

public, after an extensive overnight search.

Outside the church floral tributes from family members

remembered a much loved brother, son and friend.

Tom's sisters sent their own messages.

Beth's card read: "See you in Heaven" while little Megan and

brother Joe wrote: "I love you."

Other messages described how they would never forget their

"guardian angel".

Thanking police, fire crews and Severn Area Rescue

Association for their committed search efforts, Mr Cheesman

reflected on the Kingsholm Primary School pupil's aspiration to

be a policeman.

Two female officers, one with an Alsatian dog, attended the

service at St Mary's Church and the hearse carrying Tom's

coffin arrived flanked with a patrol car.

"He would have been thrilled to have seen the police escort

he has had today," said Mr Cheesman.

"He wanted to grow up to be a policeman."

Tom's coffin entered the church to the sound of Elton John's

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me and was conveyed out to

Robbie Williams' Angels .

Mr Cheesman told the congregation Tom was an adrenaline

junkie and it was his sense of adventure which had sadly led to

his death.

He said: "All 10-year-old boys think they are invincible and

Tom was no exception."

Tom's teacher David Crunkhurn, said the youngster had an

impact on him that would last forever.

"The 'wow' factor when he showed me and the class was an

inspiration to others," said Mr Crunkhurn.

"If God is still scratching his head, wondering how 5,000

people were fed with five loaves and two fish, Tom would be

able to explain it to him – using the grid method.

"And when we next hear thunder, it may not be Tom having a

tantrum but him teaching someone to rugby tackle."

He said that although Tom loved football and rugby, he had a

sensitive side and enjoyed dancing lessons. He said Tom's

loyalty will live on with him and the whole class.

"Once Tom was your friend, you had a friend for life," he

added.