HE was a popular, kind, gentle and fun-loving young man with a promising career ahead of him in the army - until his life was cut short in an horrific crash.

Now hundreds of fellow army cadets, friends, family members and teachers have packed a York church to say farewell to 15-year-old Daniel Wright.

Cadets formed a guard of honour as his coffin was carried in to St Thomas's Church in Osbaldwick, while inside tearful mourners heard emotional tributes paid to Daniel.

His form tutor at Archbishop Holgate's School, Tim Hunt, said Daniel - known to many as Spud - had been taken away after five "enjoyable, daft and fun-loving years" at the school.

He said: "The form room and the school have lost an enigmatic individual who should at this present moment be looking forward to a career in our armed forces. Perhaps instead, he has become a soldier of God's army."

He said many emotional comments by both pupils and staff had been written in a remembrance book. "One pupil says: "I don't remember ever seeing you without your great grin. You were always cheering people up."

"A member of staff comments: "I will always remember your smile, such a gentle and kind young man. You will be remembered so fondly."

Mr Hunt said Danny even used to charm his friend's mums, with one mum saying: "I will miss your charming good looks and special smile."

He said that during a recent charity week, Danny had decided not to go for the leg-waxing event, but went instead for "half an eyebrow." He had had thick, dark eyebrows, but had stood firm while half was pulled off. "There were tears in my eyes just watching. Danny just stood there enjoying the limelight, with his sleeves predictably rolled up.

"Danny was loved by the form very deeply. One comment reads: "The form room is so quiet without you. Your chair still awaits... We will never forget you."

Daniel was a passenger in a car driven by a 15-year-old friend, which crashed head-on into a van in Stockton Lane.

His family issued a statement after the funeral in which they said his actions on that tragic day had been avoidable and, "despite being a decent young man, his actions cost him his life."

They praised Daniel as a fun-loving son and caring brother to Georgina.

"He was a people person who left a lasting impression on those he met with his excellent manners and politeness. Daniel's life revolved around his pride in belonging to the army cadets at Fulford, York.

"He had achieved his life's ambition and was due to join the Army in September and he aspired to join the Parachute Regiment.

"Daniel was a bit of a ladies man and loved his sports. He loved his music and there are those who will have fond memories of his DJ skills at birthday parties. He will be missed by all those who knew him."

The statement added Daniel's mother, Julie, and her partner Steve, wanted to thank the local press for its sensitive reporting at this tragic time.

The Press attended the funeral at the invitation of the family.

Updated: 16:59 Thursday, May 04, 2006