FRIENDS and relatives gave an emotional farewell to tragic caving victim Joe Lister, as mourners gathered in their hundreds for his funeral.

Tributes were paid by the teenager's close family and school friends, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tadcaster.

Joe died on November 14, on the first day of a school caving trip near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. He was part of a group of 11 Tadcaster Grammar School pupils in an area known as Manchester Hole, when the cave flooded.

Joe's classmates were among the mourners yesterday, and some of their messages were read in the church.

Many fought back tears as Joe's coffin was carried into church, to the sound of Green Day's Wake Me Up When September Ends.

In an emotional tribute, Joe's younger sister, Laura, said: "Joe, to sum him up, he was an amazing brother, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and pupil.

"Although Joe and I argued, he always found a way of putting a smile on my face and making me laugh."

Joe's brother, Ben, performed a musical tribute with his grandfather, Ian, playing Polly Wolly Doodle on the cornet - a song which Joe had always found funny.

His father, Martin, fought back tears as he paid his own tribute. He said: "Fourteen years is nowhere near long enough to have had Joe. After he died, my dad said 'He must want a good one up there'. Well they have got one of the best, and we will always miss him."

Mr Lister thanked relatives and friends for their support since Joe's death; the rescue team for their attempts to save Joe; the nurses at Harrogate District Hospital; Joe's current and former head teachers; and Laura and Ben's friends for their help.

The Reverend Francis Minay called on mourners to celebrate Joe's life. He said Joe's parents had shown "enormous dignity and courage" and said they shared Joe's rich appetite for life.

Derek Angood, Joe's former headmaster at Appleton Roebuck Primary School, read a specially-prepared report, in which he called Joe a "bright and lively pupil".

He said Joe had tremendous potential, adding: "Sadly, he will never be able to fulfil that."

Geoff Mitchell, headmaster at Tadcaster Grammar School, said: "Joe - you were a shining star and our community misses you."

He said Joe had an "infectious smile" and described him as an influential pupil who had used his influence for good and was known throughout the school.

Mr Minay said there was always a particular poignancy about the death of the young, and said Joe himself had recognised that at a Remembrance Day service, days before his death.

In a special tribute, one of Joe's cousins said: "Joe shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary him nor the years condemn him. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember him."

Joe's family gave permission for the Evening Press to attend the funeral

Updated: 08:44 Monday, November 28, 2005