Hundreds of people attended a thanksgiving service at Exeter Cathedral on Tuesday for Kieran Brookes, the Heathfield teenager who lost his life following a freak tragedy in February.

The 14-year-old was holidaying in France with friends from Torquay Boys' Grammar School when he became trapped as he tried to get off a ski lift. He died a month later.

Tuesday's ceremony was intended to be a celebration of Kieran's life and had been organised by his headteacher, Roy Pike.

It had the blessing of the youngster's parents, Nick and Cindy, who have been prevented from arranging a funeral as the ongoing investigation into the incident means Kieran's body is yet to be released.

During the service, conducted by acting dean the Rev Canon Carl Turner, Kieran's younger sister Zoe read a poem entitled My Generation her brother had written three years ago. His father gave a reading by Canon Henry Scott Holland called Death Is Nothing At All.

It began: 'Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you, Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.'

An elegy written and performed by fellow pupil Jake Downs included the lines: 'Oh, dear boy, don't you see?

'This life you leave is ours to keep alive! In Spirit, sing your name and not look back in vain.

'We must sing, Sing on.'

Tributes were paid by Julie Dyer, Kieran's former headteacher at Bovey Tracey Primary School; Lt Graham Wilding, of Devon Air Cadet Force; Kieran's head of house Brendan Prince; and Mr Pike.

Kieran was acknowledged as being not only an outstanding student but a popular boy who relished life and took advantage of every opportunity afforded him.

A collection was held for Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and for Kieran's Fund, an initiative that will support projects at Torquay Boys' Grammar and fund an annual prize that will be presented to a student each speech day.