ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to Anthony Ryan in an emotional letter read out during the teenager's funeral.

He was remembered during a heartbreaking service at St Christopher's Church, in Holme Wood, where he was described by family, friends and his former teachers as "beautiful", "incredibly intelligent" and "amazing".

READ MORE: Bradford students given football coaching masterclass by Gareth Southgate

Hundreds of mourners wearing red lined Holme Wood Road before the service and packed into the church to pay their respects to the 17-year-old, who died in a motorbike crash in Thailand on January 24.

The letter was read out by Lyndsey Brown, head teacher of Oastlers School, who described how Anthony met Mr Southgate when he led a training session at the school.

The former footballer heard about Anthony's untimely death and penned a letter offering his condolences.

He wrote: "I just wanted to write to you all having heard the incredibly sad news about Anthony.

"Sean Reagan (Oastlers School's PE teacher) sent me a picture of the day I came up to visit and Anthony was involved in that training session.

"I know this will have been a difficult time for you all and it will be really hard to move forward.

"I am sure you will all pay your respects in the appropriate way and you will all be there to support Anthony's family.

"What has happened is a reminder to us all to make the most of every day."

Mr Ryan was visiting Thailand on his first holiday and did not have travel insurance, leading his loved ones to raise £8,000 to fly his body home.

There was standing room only as Canon Gary Hodgson led the service after the coffin entered the church to Another Love by Tom Odell.

Mrs Brown said she remembered Anthony as a talented athlete who excelled at football and boxing, but had a wicked sense of humour and once made a teacher a cup of coffee complete with a teaspoon of salt instead of sugar.

Anthony was born in Dewsbury in September 2001 and moved to Holme Wood before attending Ryecroft School, Tong High School and then Oastlers School.

The funeral also heard from Anthony's former boss in Penzance, Cornwall, where he had recently moved from Holme Wood in a bid to turn his life around.

He said Anthony worked for him setting up events and said he had done an amazing job.

He touched on the compassion the 17-year-old would regularly show to others when he came across a homeless couple in Torquay on New Year's Eve.

After initially walking past them, Anthony went back and gave them some money before breaking down in tears because of their situation.

Anthony's best friend, Jack, added: "Be good up there mate because I already know you are flying about in a grey Audi RS6 and you have endless girls falling all over and living the dream because that's what I taught you and because you are absolutely gorgeous."

Anthony was laid to rest at Bowling Cemetery before the wake was held at The Hand and Shuttle, in Tong Street.