A COMMUNITY mourned the tragic death of four-year-old meningitis victim Ashley Rigby, yesterday, when his funeral took place just yards from the school he loved.

Little Ashley died early last Wednesday in Booth Hall Children's Hospital after contracting the killer disease.

He was the second pupil at Holy Infant's and St Antony's RC Primary School, Astley Bridge, to be infected with the bug in a week but the cases were not being linked.

Yesterday Ashley's parents, family and friends joined his schoolmates to say goodbye at Holy Infant's RC Church in Astley Bridge.

The little boy's father Andrew Rigby, of Eden Street, helped carry the flower bedecked coffin into the church for the Requiem Mass conducted by Father John O'Connor.

Ashley's untimely death had not only touched those who knew him and his community. Father O'Connor read a moving message of sympathy entitled "A Little Child Lost," from the people of Dunblane.

And during the service two of Ashley's schoolfriends, bravely spoke of their friendship and their feelings of loss.

A little boy, who said he was one of Ashley's best friends, said he would remember how they would play monsters together.

He said quietly: "I will remember Ashley for all the good times."

And a little girl, overcome with tears, recalled how she used to call Ashley "Superman" when he jumped into her arms.

Her message said: "When I was sad and low, he'd make me happy."

Father O'Connor said: "In a short time Ashley fulfilled an immense amount of good."

Surrounding the little boy's coffin in church were family photographs and a self portrait in which he had given himself a halo.

Friends of Ashley's father Andrew, who is secretary of The Presentation Darts League have organised a fund raising and memorial evening.

The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, from 7.30pm, at the Founders Arms, St George's Road. There will be a pairs knock-out competition. Just turn up on the night.

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