HUNDREDS of people attended the funeral of a young Newport County AFC supporter, who has been described as a “true football fan”.

Kieran Sanges, a prominent fan of the County, died over the August Bank Holiday weekend at the age of 14 following a battle against cancer.

Yesterday more than 200 people - most wearing County tops - attended Kieran’s funeral at St John’s Maindee Church to pay tribute to the 14-year-old.

Scott Bennett and other County players carried in Kieran’s coffin to a packed-out church, with Ed Sheeran’s Castle on the Hill song playing in the background.

Reverend Dr William Ingle-Gillis, who is from Texas and led the funeral, described Kieran as a “wonderful guy”.

He said: “We’re all here today to remember Kieran.

“Kieran sounds like the sort of guy all of us would have wanted for a son.

“Where I’m from baseball is the sport but I think knowing that Kieran was a big fan of football I will start to follow Newport County.”

The chaplain for the football club Reverend Keith Beardmore said that the late County fan was a “true football fan”.

“He loved sport and TV - especially Wrestle Mania and football,” said Rev Beardmore.

“Kieran had a wonderful record as a devoted County fan. In six years he only ever missed five home games - a wonderful record. He even travelled to Darlington to watch the team.

“He was a true football fan and there are so many memories of Kieran that we can talk about.”

Rev Beardmore added: “He was always smiling and when his consultant asked how he was, Kieran asked ‘how he was’.

“The consultant told the family afterwards that had been only the second time in twenty years that he’d been asked that question. I think that sums up Kieran.”

County fan Gareth Morgan, who attended the funeral, said County games would “not be the same without him”.

“Kieran was one of the most enthusiastic football fans I’ve ever met,” said Mr Morgan.

“He was 100 per cent committed to the County and to football. I can’t think of a home game when he wasn’t there.

“He was always happy and always had a smile on his face. Being here and seeing the coffin is surreal.”

Another fan Geoff Hopkins added: “Seeing everyone wearing County tops, amber tops and other bright-coloured tops made me proud and Kieran would feel proud.

“When Kieran died we fans held a minute’s silence for him when we were playing against Exeter City.

“He was loved by us all.”

A spokeswoman for Newport County AFC previously said that the club’s thoughts were with the family during this difficult period.

She said: “The club is devastated to hear the news that young supporter Kieran Sanges has passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

“One of the younger members of the County family, Kieran was a fantastic young man with a big heart and displayed an incredible attitude and fight in the face of his illness.

“All the staff, players, volunteers and everyone associated with Newport County AFC’s thoughts are with Kieran’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Following the funeral, the procession moved onto Christchurch Cemetery for the burial.