 Clinging to her husband, mum Tanya Hunter was overcome with grief as she paid her last respects to her teenage son. Talented William Hunter, 16, was killed when he was struck by a cab as he returned home from his sixth-form Christmas party. And yesterday hundreds of mourners lined the streets to say a tearful farewell to the popular youngster. Four months ago, the Church of Ascension in Kenton, Newcastle was the setting for the wedding of William's sister Beverley, at which the teenager was usher. But yesterday his family was back there for his funeral service before he was laid to rest at Gosforth's Hollywood Avenue Cemetery. Mrs Hunter led the procession into church clutching husband Billy, after whom William was named. The Kenton Comprehensive pupil was the only child of the couple, although each had children from previous marriages. And all the children regarded one another as siblings, with William the youngest of the five. The Magpie-mad talented goalkeeper, who had trials with First Division outfit Preston North End, was buried in the kit of his beloved Newcastle United - the team he dreamed of stepping out with at St James's Park. He was also buried with a pair of Shay Given's gloves, autographed by the star after he learned of the tragedy. The Toon goalkeeper stood alongside William's friends, family and school pals at the funeral to pay his respects. Afterwards he spoke to William's heartbroken parents and offered his condolences to them. Fr Adrian Russell told the mourners, many of whom had to stand outside the packed church, that the loss of William, or Willaz as he was known, had brought emptiness to all who knew him. He said: "You all had a particular relationship with William. He'll live on in your hearts." Pals paid their own tributes with readings at the service. They remembered him as a young man of special qualities which brought him friends and never any enemies. And they said he was a popular friend with whom they shared many laughs. The Hunters' home in Winton Way, North Kenton is plastered with cards of sympathy - including one from Toon boss Sir Bobby Robson. And neighbours have switched off their Christmas lights as a mark of respect. A reading on behalf of William's family said: "We will always have our memories of the special moments we had, which will be for ever etched in our hearts." "For his mum and dad, it will be the first smile, first words and the first step. All these things are special and will never be forgotten. "You went from the cheeky little boy to a handsome, reliable, trustworthy young man with the world at your feet. No one could ever be prouder of what you have achieved. "This is not goodbye. It's see you later. We will love you for ever." | 
