A COMMUNITY came together this afternoon to pay tribute to a young father who died in a car crash earlier this month. 

There was standing room only at St Clare's Catholic Church, Moorside Road, Fagley, as mourners gathered for the funeral of 19-year-old Brad Aldridge.

He tragically died following the crash on Harrogate Road, Undercliffe, on February 3, just days before he would have turned 20. 

READ MORE: Family of Harrogate Road crash victim Brad Aldridge speak out

His body was taken to the church in a white coffin carried in a white horse-drawn glass hearse.

People had been asked to wear something sky blue in tribute to Brad. 

Heartfelt tributes were paid during the service, which touched on how "blue-eyed boy" Brad had brought "such joy and happiness" to his family when he was born. 

As a youngster, he attended St Clare's Catholic Primary School and was described as "often the centre of attention, but loved by everyone".

Brad was described as having a "lovely humour", with an "innate ability to make friends with everyone".

After St Clare's, he moved to Hanson Academy, Swain House, where his "sparkling personality" was said to shine even more.

When Brad left school, he immediately started work at West Yorkshire Property Maintenance with his uncle and cousins. 

After a year or so, he then landed a job with Yeadon-based Jet Wash, a company which carries out airplane cleaning.

Brad was said to be "good and conscientious worker", who soon moved up to become a team leader.

Those at the service heard how family was important to the teen and how he was "fiercely proud and protective" of his siblings Gina and Zach.

Last year, he and his partner Shona became parents to Alfie-Ray.

In an emotional tribute read out in church, she said:"Bradley was my soulmate. I was so lucky to find someone so kind and lovely to be in my life.

"Our time has been cut too short. The proudest moment I have with you is giving birth to our gorgeous boy and you holding my hand all the way through, telling me I'm doing so good. I really couldn't have done it without you.

"Alfie will carry you on and be so proud of his daddy. I love you so much."

A tribute from his mum Maria said: "Our blue-eyed boy, from the day you were born, we have been the proudest parents ever. 

"You always smiled and picked me up when I was down. Wherever you would go you would make friends. Your smile, your happy spirit, made our home blessed.

"Picking your mammy up, swinging me around, always a kiss and 'I love you mum and dad' before you left home.

"Your heart is golden son. The love you gave to all was a true love and I hope others get to feel at some point in their lives, that sort of love."

Her words touched on how proud Brad had been when his son was born.

She added: "We rushed to meet our grandson - you met us outside with the biggest beam and pride of joy shining from you. Seeing your own son become a daddy is the proudest moment any mum and dad could see."

Tributes from his sister and grandma were also read out.

The service was followed by a burial at Undercliffe Cemetery and all donations will be put towards Alfie-Ray's future.