HUNDREDS of people, family, friends, school friends from Landscore Primary School, neighbours, members of Crediton Scouts, as well as people from across the community gathered to pay their respects for the life of Samuel Crocker at Crediton Parish Church on Tuesday.

Samuel (10), tragically died following a collision with a white Vauxhall Combo van shortly before 1.35pm on Saturday, February 28 at Threshers.

Every seat was taken throughout the church and it was standing room only for many for his funeral service, a service which was filled with emotion, sadness at his life ended so young, but also thanks for it.

Preb Nigel Guthrie led the service and spoke of the unique boy and how he enriched the lives of so many people.

Samuel's grandfather, Tim, spoke of the sorrow felt by the family at his passing and explained that he was often referred to as Mole, Little Mole or Moley because younger members of the family had had difficulty in saying his name and shortened it.

During his tribute he said that it is not until you have a grandchild you can never understand just how grand they are and how grand they make you feel.

"Once you add grand to your name, your life is never the same again," he said.

He added that he "brought joy and laughter into our lives" and said he could sense the man he was set to become, "strong, steadfast and assured".

He also said he enjoyed being a tour guide, was a Beaver, Cub and recently invested Scout and loved football (his favourite team being Arsenal) and his favourite television programme was Dad's Army.

He said the whole family was proud of Samuel, adding that they were all heartbroken to have lost him but said he would "live in our hearts forever".

He also extended thanks to all those involved in caring for Samuel following the accident, from those who provided first aid to the police, ambulance, Devon Air Ambulance and the doctors and nurses at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital who tried to save him.

He also thanked all those who had contributed to the JustGiving page in memory of Samuel which, to date, has raised more than £8,500 for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

A recording of Landscore Singers performing a version of Lean on Me by Bill Withers was played and Landscore Head Teacher Gary Read, read a poem.

A letter from Sally Hunt, Samuel's teacher, was read out by Reverend Nigel Guthrie.

She said: "It was my privilege to have Samuel in my class. He was a warm and friendly boy."

She said they still had his tray in their classroom and the children had written a label to go on his chair.

A message Samuel's former scout leader Wayne Reed placed on Facebook was also read out.

The candle which Samuel received at his Christening in Crediton Parish Church was re-lit during the service and it stood next to a picture of him placed on the altar.

Prayers and hymns were also included in the service and Rev Guthrie, in closing, said: "What has shocked us is that Samuel was just walking along the road and yet that day the unthinkable happened."

He said he hoped that those present would shine as a light in the world, as brightly as Samuel had shone, never losing his Sparkle, his shining".

He said he hoped Samuel's death would make everyone value those around them more.

He said he hoped Samuel's death would make drivers drive more carefully.

"When we realise how fragile life can be we value even more highly our own children and our own lives," he said.

"We all know the vehicles we take to the roads in can be lethal, especially when driven too fast. Samuel's death is such a sharp reminder of that."

Donations were accepted at the funeral service in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

These can also be made via A White and Sons, Family Funeral Directors, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.

Anyone who would like to donate via the on-line appeal can do so via the website: http://www.justgiving.com/SparkleforSamuel">www.justgiving.com/SparkleforSamuel .

The Crocker family said their lives were "turned upside down" by the accident.

As a tribute to Samuel, many Crediton High Street shops and businesses displayed shiny or glittering stars in their windows on Tuesday.

The idea was suggested by Karla Gregory of Groomed to Pawfection, 138 High Street, Crediton, who said children had been helping to make stars for some of the businesses.

Cameron Trivett (24), of Mill Street, Crediton, has been charged with driving a vehicle that failed to stop after a road traffic collision, and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He appeared at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 2 and was bailed to appear at Exeter Crown Court on March 27.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen a white Vauxhall combo van being driven between Crediton and Morchard Road along the A377 at or around the time to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact Police Sgt Steve Walker on the 101 number, quoting log 397.