A little boy with the face of an angel that was just one of the tributes paid at the funeral of Dundee six-year-old Aidan Sands.
Tears were mixed with laughter as hundreds of friends and family heard a celebration of the life of the Kirkton youngster who died last week following a swimming pool accident in Arbroath.
Many mourners sported bright red clothing a nod to fun-loving Aidan’s favourite colour at Thursday’s service, which was held in St Mary Magdalene’s SE Church.
The Rev David Shepherd said Aidan was “a little boy full of life and laughter.”
He said, “He was a shooting star who whooshed into the skies and burst into many thousands of twinkling stars. Aidan’s death affected thousands of people around the city, especially those with young children.
“Joy and happiness can so easily turn to tragedy. Aidan had the face of an angel but was full of mischief.”
His bright red coffin was led into the church accompanied by the song In the Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLachlan. Aidan’s dad Kevin Yule, mother Mandy Sands, brothers Kevin (8) and Dylan (16) and sisters Angel (10) and Shannon (15) were among the mourners.
His family had kept a four-day vigil by his bedside before his death.
Sobs and laughter rang around the church as exploits from the youngster’s short life were shared.
The Rev Shepherd said, “If he was losing on the Xbox he would turn it off, saying it was broken. He was the smallest and youngest, but he was definitely the boss.”
A white horse-drawn carriage waited outside the church to take Aidan to his final resting place at Birkhill Cemetery.
His parents’ floral tribute ended, “We are so proud to have had you as our son.”
A message from Aidan’s sister Shannon read simply, “Good night, wee bro’, gonna miss you.”
Aidan’s grandfather Thomas Hay said, “He only had six years but he did a lot with them.”