Mourners turn out in hoodies for funeral of young dad Dwayne Burns

Smiles broke through the tears as scores of mourners paid an emotional tribute to a popular young dad

Friends and loved ones said their final farewells to Dwayne Burns at Stockton Parish Church on the High Street today.

The 24-year-old died last month - just six months after the sudden death of his mum Angie.

The dad-of-one, of Varo Terrace, in the Densham’s Corner area of Stockton, was found in a flat in Stockton on January 23.

Family and friends dressed in hoodies for the funeral - Dwayne’s “trademark” - with some bearing pictures of him on the back, accompanied by words including “R.I.P. Cuz” and “R.I.P. Bro”.

Dozens of those who’d come to pay their respects walked in a procession behind the hearse from the nearby Victoria estate, and floral tributes included the words Daddy and Son.

Former Tilery Primary School and Norton Comprehensive School student Dwayne had a 10-month-old son, Jayden.

He entered the church to the sounds of Ed Sheeran’s Sing and also played at the funeral was Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars hit Uptown Funk.

Dwayne was one of eight siblings, and at the ceremony, brother Jamie battled through tears to read out a heartfelt tribute.

Dwayne Burns with his sister Nicole (centre) brother Jamie, and youngest siblings Milly and Freddie (at front)

He said: “You were the best brother anyone could ask for. You were kind, loving, and you never minced your words, kid.

“You touched a lot of people’s lives; you won’t believe how much we’re going to miss you.”

One of Dwayne’s sisters also paid tribute, saying: “I hope you’re looking after mam now up there in that special place, until the day we meet again and I see your beautiful face.”

Dwayne Burns with his cousins Danny Suckling and Danny Burns

And there were chuckles as, in a tribute read out on behalf of sister Milly, she said: “I will cherish our memories forever, like the time we both chickened out of the Ice Bucket Challenge in Flamingo Land.”

Dwayne was also son to dad Stephen, and brother to Nicole, Louise, Freddie, Jack and Leon.

The service was led by minister Mark Miller, who asked the congregation to think about Dwayne as Follow Me by Uncle Kracker was played.

An inquest into the death was opened and adjourned at Teesside Coroner’s Court on February 3 by assistant coroner Jo Wharton.