THE family of tragic six-year-old Alan Lock attended his funeral this afternoon in pirate-themed ties to celebrate his favourite character, Jack Sparrow.

Russell Claydon

THE FAMILY of tragic six-year-old Alan Lock have turned up to his funeral this afternoon in pirate-themed ties to celebrate his favourite character, Jack Sparrow.

The vicar conducting the service has said the swashbuckling theme was chosen by the family to celebrate his character as a cheeky youngster who had a great sense of adventure.

Alan died after being pulled out of the River Stour in Sudbury after a nature trail with the Beaver Scouts turned to tragedy on June 16.

At his funeral today, held at All Saints Church in his home village of Acton, a group of his classmates turned up in full school uniform.

Family have also flown in from abroad for the sombre occasion.

The Reverend Jamie Allen, said: “The family are very strong and very brave and have been getting ready for today for some time.

“They are the most wonderful family - so loving of their son and they will continue to be. They are very special people.”

He said just having somewhere where they can now come and talk to Alan would help them with their enormous feelings of grief and loss.

Stories are being told in the church this afternoon of moments in Alan's life which summed up his character.

Rev Allen said: “He was a very careful little boy and I think he loved his school and everything he did. He was a cheeky little boy who was loved by so many people.”

Alan died on June 16 whilst out on a supervised expedition with the 1st Acton and Waldingfield Scout Group.

Bouquets of flowers, teddy bears and football shirts of the family's team Leeds United were placed on the old railway bridge just off Quay Lane, known locally as Seven Archer's Bridge.