Family and friends celebrate the life of brave young Finnbar at Hethersett church

Finnbar Cork, aged five, of Hethresett. Pictured in September 2015 at the start of the school year at Hethersett Primary. (Image: Archant)

Scores of people – many dressed as Star Wars characters and superheroes – turned out to remember five-year-old Finnbar Cork at celebratory service at St Remigius' Church in Hethersett.

The Rev Christopher Mallett said: 'It's natural to feel sad and grieve when someone you know and love dies, but today we've come together to celebrate Finnbar's life and achievements and the tremendous impact he's had on everyone with whom he came into contact.'

The Rev Mallett said the large number of people who attended yesterday's service was testament to the 'impact young Finnbar had on you all' and described how his 'captivating smile seemed to reverberate around the whole community'.

During the service, Finnbar's parents, Claire and Tristan, paid their own emotional tributes to their bubbly little boy who died last month after initially being diagnosed with a brain tumour in March.

Mrs Cork said the 'wonderful memories of us together I will always treasure and keep' while Mr Cork, who was dressed as an X-Wing Starfighter pilot, recalled how they 'did so much together', including playing football, building Lego, reading and having film nights.

He said his son faced his illness with 'such bravery and determination and never gave up the fight' but admitted it was to be a 'fight that was impossible to win'.

He also thanked everyone who had helped them and were continuing to help them, including fundraising for Finnbar. Proceeds will now go towards children's tumour research or local families where someone is battling a tumour.

The service also included tributes from Hethersett Infant School, where Finnbar was a pupil, extracts from the youngster's favourite stories and music from favourite films, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park and You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story.