The family and friends of a 19-year-old man described as a 'deeply sensitive cheeky chappy' dressed in his favourite colour as they gathered in Cromer for his funeral today.

North Norfolk News: Nyall Brown Picture: Mearl BrownNyall Brown Picture: Mearl Brown (Image: Archant)

It was standing room only as tributes were paid to Nyall Brown, known as 'Smiley', whose death on May 22 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) after a period of mental ill health was described as 'devastating'.

Nyall's coffin, decorated with photos of him smiling, riding his BMX bike and surrounded by family and friends, was carried into the church by a group of his former football teammates.

Nyall's mum, Tracey Brown, said: 'He was just an amazing boy.

'A deeply sensitive, cheeky chappy who wore his heart on his sleeve and held his family and friends close.'

North Norfolk News: Nyall Brown at Cromer Skatepark Photo: Mearl BrownNyall Brown at Cromer Skatepark Photo: Mearl Brown (Image: Archant)

Pete Gascoyne, Nyall's PE teacher and football coach at Cromer High School, praised his abilities and sportsmanship.

He said: 'Nyall was at the heart of that team - for five years he was the engine. I respected him.

'Nyall always did his share and more. He would drop to the ground with exhaustion and then get up again.

'As captain he led by example.'

North Norfolk News: Nyall Brown with his brother Kharn and mum Tracey Picture: Mearl BrownNyall Brown with his brother Kharn and mum Tracey Picture: Mearl Brown (Image: Archant)

He added: 'By some coincidence it was sports day at the school today and I made a point of taking a moment to remember all the times it was Nyall running around that field.

'The news [of his death] a few weeks ago was devastating.'

His schoolfriend Mina Ubdon described Nyall's kindness, her memories of him singing, and his sense of humour.

The service was led by the Rev Edward Land, former youth minister at Cromer Parish Church, who worked with Nyall on the Cromer skatepark project.

North Norfolk News: Nyall Brown at a cross-country event. Photo: Mearl BrownNyall Brown at a cross-country event. Photo: Mearl Brown (Image: Archant)

He described Nyall as 'full of energy' and 'a vocal voice in the design of the skatepark.

'He is much loved as a son, as a brother and as a friend and will be sorely missed.'

Nyall was a head host at The Grove in Cromer and a former pupil at the town's high school.

The funeral, held at 3pm on Wednesday, June 20 was followed by a crematorium service at Cromer Crematorium, and a gathering at The Grove.

Donations to Mind and the East Anglian Air Ambulance in Nyall's memory can be made care of East of England Co-operative Funeral Services, 11 Garden Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HN.