The funeral of teenager William Hunter who was killed on the way home from his school's Christmas bash will be held next week. The 16-year-old was struck by a taxi in the early hours of Thursday on the A696 Woolsington bypass as he walked home with pals from his sixth-form party at Newcastle's Airport Hotel. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The talented goalkeeper, who always dreamed of pulling on the number one jersey of his beloved Newcastle United, will be buried at Hollywood Avenue Cemetery, in North Kenton, following a service at the Church of Ascension, in Creighton Avenue. Only months ago the same church was the happy setting for the wedding of William's sister Beverley, where William was usher. William's devastated parents Tania, 42, and retired firefighter Billy, 48, of Winton Way, North Kenton, spoke yesterday of their loss. North Tyneside Council worker Tania said Kenton Sixth Form pupil William, the youngest of her five children, had everything to live for and added everybody was numb over his death. Lessons at the school were scrapped as staff and students came to terms with their loss. John Burrage, manager of Montagu and North Fenham Boys' Club where William scooped Players' Player award three years running, cancelled this weekend's scheduled match and said a minute's silence would be held before the next fixture. Police are still appealing for witnesses to the accident which happened on the slip road just after 1.20am. Anyone with any information should contact (0191) 214 655 ext 62792. | 
