FAMILY and friends gathered in a York church to say goodbye to a "special" young man whose life was tragically cut short in a car crash.

Richard Dale's father, Trevor, steered his wife Lynda's wheelchair into All Saints' Church in Huntington behind their son's coffin, as the congregation stood silently, listening to R Kelly's If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time.

The Reverend Francis Scott asked mourners to remember Richard, 22, who died when his car crashed into a tree in Foss Islands Road early last Friday as he drove to start his shift at Terry's factory.

Friends crept into the church and stood thoughtfully at the back while Mr Scott recalled Richard's "kind and generous" nature.

From speaking to Mrs Dale, Mr Scott said he had learned Richard had been a practical joker and quite an entrepreneur.

When the family had moved to New Earswick, Richard, of Alder Way, remained at his old primary school in Haxby for a short while and sold his friends sweets that he had bought in New Earswick, as he noticed they were different in both villages.

He had enjoyed sport, playing rugby and won many prizes for go-karting.

He loved cars, his friends, and he lived for the weekend. "He was a hard worker," said Mr Scott.

"He worked as soon as he left school and worked hard at whatever he did. But it was his family above all that Richard was devoted to, that was a major part of his life. He was always protective of his family."

One of Richard's aunts read a poem dedicated to him and the Sugarbabes hit Lost In You was played, which had been Richard and his girlfriend Rachel's special song.

Mr Scott urged Richard's family and friends to keep his memory alive.

He said: "His care for others, his love of life, hang on to those today.

"Keep Richard's memory alive in your hearts."

The 45-minute service was followed by a burial in New Lane Cemetery and a wake at New Earswick Sports Club.

The Evening Press was invited to the funeral by Mr Dale's family.

Updated: 09:18 Saturday, September 11, 2004