ONE in a million, the ringleader and life and soul of the party - just a handful of the endless tributes paid to a "remarkable young man" whose life was remembered by the hundreds who attended his funeral.

Football-fanatic and fun-loving Gareth Brown was described as "a very special man" during the Reverend Allan Mitchell's opening remarks, as hundreds of family members and friends packed out St George's Church in Barrow today.

"In my 45 years as a vicar I don't think I've ever been at a service like this with so many people wishing to pay tribute to someone who was clearly a remarkable and amazing young man," Mr Mitchell said.

Gareth passed away last week at the age of just 28, after bravely battling a rare form of adrenal cancer over the last 18 months.

During his funeral, memories and tributes were shared by some of his closest friends and family.

Dad Steve struggled to hold back the tears during the funeral as he spoke about his "beautiful son" who, despite his cancer diagnosis - "the most cruel and indiscriminate illness" - had continued to "live life to the full".

"Gareth was and always will be the most wonderful and precious son I could have wished for," the 59-year-old said.

"We are so proud of him and have been since the day he was born."

Other family members paid their own special tributes, including 13-year-old nephew Corey who helped to carry the coffin and give a football-themed reading called The Hero's Game.

Further tributes from sisters Gemma and Steph, girlfriend Chelsea, nieces Layla and Alexa, stepson Kai and family members who were unable to attend were read out by Mr Mitchell.

Best friend from the age of four, Aaron Hadley sparked smiles and laughter in those at the service by recalling some of "cheeky chappie" Gareth's comedy moments from school.

"He was so clever at school my mum would say 'spend more time with Gareth so you can be clever like him' and I'd reply 'give me a break, this kid's a genius'," Mr Hadley said.

In another amusing school-themed recollection, Mr Hadley recalled being given a detention "for being a ginger", to which his best pal retorted to the teacher: "Sir, that's not fair, he might be a ginger but you're an idiot."

College mate Dan talked about his friend's "competitive streak", saying he was always "the first to get the shots in and the last person to leave" on a night out.

"We all have to remember how very precious life is and follow the example Gaz set up in enjoying life to the fullest," he said.

As the two friends stepped down from the altar, they paid tribute to their fun-loving friend by placing two shot glasses on the coffin, before making a toast and downing their drinks in true "Gaz-style".

Many of those who gathered to remember Gareth will undoubtedly have agreed with his friend Aaron's closing remark, a line from his favourite book: "He was probably the greatest man I ever met."

Donations from the funeral will go towards a JustGiving appeal in Gareth's memory, to go to the oncology department at Furness General Hospital. You can donate HERE .