THE funeral of Tom Jones was held yesterday.

The 18-year-old’s body was discovered in the River Severn on September 28 following a major search after the University of Worcester student went missing.

Thomas’s family including parents Ian and Vicki were set to attend the Bromsgrove teenager’s funeral, which took place at Redditch Crematorium yesterday afternoon.

Thousands of people helped the search for Tom, with a large poster and social media campaign.

After the death was confirmed a vigil was held on Sunday, September 30, and tributes, including bunches of flowers, were laid on Sabrina Bridge and along the river. 

Worcestershire County Council later announced a memorial to him is to be created at Sabrina Bridge as part of refurbishment works next year.

His friend Harley Hetherington who grew up with Tom and was studying Primary Initial Teacher Education at the University of Worcester with him, was also set to attend the funeral.

Harley created the FIND JONAH Facebook group and co-ordinated the public efforts to find Tom after he went missing in Worcester just before 4am on Wednesday September 19.

The Facebook page was later renamed Remember Jonah, with tributes posted.

Tom was also a youth player with Bromsgrove Sporting and a memorial match for him in October was attended by 1,600 people, with £7,000 raised for Tom’s family.

Writing on Facebook about the funeral Beth Farmer said: “Thoughts are with all Tom’s family and friends today.”

Elaine Roberts said: “Thinking of you all”, while Tara Gurney said: “Be thinking of you all RIP”.

Claire Pinches said: “Thoughts with his family”.

The teenager’s death is currently being treated as unexplained, with the inquest initially opened and immediately adjourned on October 3.

The inquest hearing into his death has been set for January 22 next year at Worcestershire Coroner’s Court in Stourport.