Conley Thompson funeral: Boy, 7, who died in building site accident laid to rest in comic book coffin

Conley Thompson went missing last month after telling his mother he was going to play with friends in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

A seven-year-old boy who loved superheroes was today laid to rest in a coffin emblazoned with his favourite comic book characters.

Conley Thompson went missing last month after telling his mother he was going to play with friends in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

A search was launched after he failed to return home and his body was discovered the following day in a pipe on a building site in Worsbrough.

Now the "loving and caring' little boy has been laid to rest in a heartbreaking ceremony at St Thomas and St James Church, in Worsbrough Dale.

Mourners wore superhero T-shirts and bright colours to celebrate the life of the fun-loving youngster, while a man dressed as Marvel icon Spider-Man sat alongside the driver of the horse-drawn hearse.

Floral tributes included Thor's hammer and an Avengers-themed wreath and one mourner carried a Spider-Man balloon.

Conley's mother, Paula, wore a Marvel comic dress, while his grandmother wore leggings patterned with the superheroes and a red t-shirt that read Conley and Super Nan-nan.

A dove was also released at the ceremony.

Reverend Trevor Keightley described Conley as a "loveable rogue" during the funeral service.

He said the young boy, who would have celebrated his 8th birthday yesterday, loved climbing and music, and was "cheeky".

Rev Keightley said: "Everyone in Worsbrough, and around the country, was shocked when we heard of Conley's tragic death.

"Conley remains with us through the memories that many will have of him. We've been touched by Conley near and far.

"He was so full of life and promise, and that's what hurts the most: never seeing him grow up.

"So we are left with the memories of Conley and those memories are to be treasured."

Rev Keightley read out a poem written for Conley by his aunt before he was born. Another poem described Conley's love of Spiderman, Iron Man and the Avengers.