A SIMPLE ring of red flowers surrounding a Manchester United football -- signed by his soccer heroes -- provided a poignant tribute to the life of teenager Daniel Berry.

The floral tribute was placed on top of the coffin of football-mad Daniel who fought -- and eventually lost -- a battle with leukaemia.

Alongside the football was a framed photograph of a smiling Daniel with the simple words 'Our Dan' spelt out in white flowers.

More than 200 family and friends gathered at Chowbent Unitarian Chapel in Atherton yesterday to say goodbye to the courageous 18-year-old.

The ceremony was a moving tribute to Daniel, who lost his 18-month battle with leukaemia on Saturday, February 15. It was a battle that touched the hearts of his family, friends and the people of Atherton.

The funeral was designed by his mother Elaine and father Gary, of Crosby Grove, Atherton, to reflect their son's personality and to celebrate his life.

In an emotional message read out at the funeral, his heartbroken parents said they would never be able to thank everyone enough for their kindness and support.

Family memories, which included amusing moments from Daniel's childhood, a family holiday in Florida and some of Daniel's favourite sayings, were read out by a family friend.

Daniel was described as a loving, caring, honest young man, with a mischievous sense of humour who was an inspirational to all who knew him.

Music was carefully chosen to reflect Daniel, including the song Missing You by rap star Puff Daddy. Somewhere Over the Rainbow was also sung.

The tribute ended with Daniel's father and his older brother, Mark, carrying the coffin out of the church as Elton John's song Daniel was played in the background.