Pupil's guard of honour for popular Tyrese

STUNNED silence . . . the funeral cortege of Tyrese Glasgow in Uppermill

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A COUNTRY village was shrouded in a veil of tears as more than 1,000 schoolchildren formed a guard of honour to remember a "model pupil" with an infectious smile.

Police kept traffic diverted from the centre of Uppermill as the funeral cortège bearing 12-year-old Tyrese Glasgow travelled slowly along High Street on Friday. Pupils from Saddleworth School, many in the Mossley youngster's year, backed by more than 150 teachers and hundreds of villagers and business owners, stood in subdued, dignified silence to pay their respects.

The funeral procession through the village was led by Saddleworth South neighbourhood beat officer PC Lee Cullen.

He headed the vanguard as the cortège paused briefly at the school's main gates watched by tearful parents and passers-by before moving on to the route through Uppermill.

PC Cullen (49), has a son Joe in Year 9 at the school. His other son, Brad, has just completed sixth form.

He said: "I'm so very proud of the Saddleworth School children. They were absolutely impeccable as they stood in line and paid their respects to Tyrese's funeral cortège.

"In all my 25 years in the service, I have never seen such a sight with all children standing shoulder to shoulder along the street in absolute silence. The community also turned out to support the children and they were fantastic.

"Each and every one of the pupils is a credit to Saddleworth School and the Saddleworth and wider Oldham community. We as a team are very proud of them all."

Tyrese, who was found dying at his home in June, was taken to hospital but later died. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

And later, at the thronged funeral service at St James Church, Huddersfield Road, Oldham, there was added poignancy.

Because Rev Paul Plumpton who conducted the service, had also baptised Tyrese 12 years ago at the church.

The moving service itself was filled with glowing accolades to Tyrese from family and friends and emotional singing from his family and Saddleworth School choir with a rendition of "Wings" by Birdy.

Speaking at the service, Matthew Milburn, head teacher at Saddleworth School, told the hushed congregation: "Saddleworth School has lost a role model of a pupil.

"A boy whose smile would light up a room . . . a boy whose smile could brighten anyone's day.

"It is hoped that in time, we will be able to smile just like him when we remember the adorable, Year 7 pupil that was Tyrese Glasgow."

Later, Helen Bulmer, who has taught at the school since 1990 and retires later this month, said: "I thought today's tribute to Tyrese was one of the most moving events I have witnessed over my time here.

"For me, personally, it made me very proud to have been part of the Saddleworth community for as long as I have and to have had the privilege of a career in teaching."

Tyrese was laid to rest at Greenacres Cemetery.

Mourners were invited to join family and friends at St Anne's rugby club, Oldham, in a celebration of his life.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser on Tyrese's "GoFundMe" page has reached more than £6,000.

Messages from the family say they are "absolutely speechless" and overwhelmed by the love and comfort shown for him.