SEVERAL hundred mourners packed into St Matthew's Church in Cainscross to pay their respects to popular print journalist Darren Powell on Friday.

The Stroud-born chief-sub and page designer of The Citizen newspaper died last month on his 42nd birthday.

During the funeral service, Darren was described by a former colleague as 'an amazing character' and a 'pied piper of life' who had 'an infectious laugh and a wicked sense of humour'.

Darren was 'one of the best in the business' whose work 'epitomised his incredible talent', he added.

The service, attended by friends, family and former colleagues of the ex-Archway School pupil, featured some of Darren's favourite songs from Madonna and Robbie Williams plus hymns and a recitation of the WH Davies poem Leisure.

Darren, who completed work experience at the SNJ as a 14-year-old and later worked on our sister title the Gloucestershire Gazette, died at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Tuesday, August 13 after suffering a brain haemorrhage several weeks before.

He is survived by mother Rita, father Howard, brother Ashley and sister Hayley.