FAMILY, friends and team-mates of a popular Newport schoolboy rugby player comforted each other yesterday as hundreds gathered to say goodbye to their "brightest star".

Around 500 people packed into St John's Church in Maindee to celebrate the life of sports-mad teenager Lewis Fullwood.

The 13-year-old St Joseph's High School pupil died on April 22 following a tragic accident at his home.

His parents, Sarah and Glenn, and brother, Joseph, yesterday joined devastated friends and teachers who described him as "enthusiastic, friendly and popular, a loyal team-member and talented sportsman."

Floral tributes in the shape of a rugby ball and hockey sticks were laid in tribute to the rugby team captain, Newport Aviators and Welsh roller hockey player and Tae Kwondo black belt.

In a moving eulogy St Joseph's High School head teacher, Sue Jenkins, told the congregation there had not been a single negative comment about Lewis since he began his school career.

She said: "Lewis was a warm and friendly person, popular with pupils across the year groups, who was respected right across the school community.

"He had a great sense of fun and lived life to the full and we all have many cherished memories of him.

"I've been told by our school physics teacher that the brightest stars burn for the shortest time, and certainly Lewis was our brightest star."

The Lewis Fullwood Trophy is now to be awarded annually to the pupil who displays the most passion for rugby.

Miss Jenkins added that trees would also be planted alongside the school rugby pitch in honour of the rugby-fanatic "so his spirit will always be there to support and guide us."

There were laughs among the tears as Miss Jenkins told of the GLC fan's recent "exuberant" school performance of Shake, Rattle and Roll.

References to the teenager's preoccupation with styling his hair were also met with warm smiles.

And in honour of the fashion-conscious teen, schoolmates sported pink t-shirts, a tribute to a pink shirt he recently wore to a friend's party. The hour-long service included the popular hymn and rugby anthem Bread of Heaven.

Peter Church, St Joseph's Rugby Club Chairman, said Lewis death had been felt throughout the Welsh rugby community.

This year, the Gwent League Under-13 Rugby Cup is to be renamed the Lewis Fullwood Memorial Cup in honour of the youngster. A testimonial match is to be played in tribute to Lewis at 11am this Sunday at the Pill Harriers Club in Newport.