AROUND 500 hundred family members, loved ones and friends piled inside and stood outside St John's CE Church for the funeral of Daniel Fox today (Wednesday).

The 250-capacity church in Crossley Road was full, with a similar number of people staying outside and listening in silence to the 45-minute service which could be heard faintly from the street, where traffic was brought to a standstill for much of the proceedings.

Many mourners wore blue ties or other blue garments in tribute to 29-year-old Danny - nicknamed 'blue eyes' - who died after suffering a single stab wound on North John Street during the early hours of Friday, September 2, after a night out with friends.

Others wore black armbands with a 'fox' design - a design local tattooists created in Danny's memory.

The service, which began shortly before noon and ended at 12.38pm under bright blue skies, featured former X Factor contestant Keira Weathers singing 'Lost Boy' - the theme from the 'Peter Pan' film - at both the beginning and end.

The service, led by minister Harry Welsh, also included a thanksgiving for the life and work of Danny, who worked as a carer for autistic children.

According to the order of service, tributes were paid by Lydia Ellison, Chris Simmons, Amy Lewis and Chris Jones and mourners could be heard singing hymns 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Amazing Grace'.

Floral tributes left outside the church held personal messages from loved ones and friends.

Former doorman at town centre bars Dreem and Zoo, Danny, from Thatto Health, had appeared on e4 programme Tattoo Fixers.

His funeral service was being followed by committal at St Helens Crematorium Chapel.

Danny's tragic death shocked communities across St Helens – and events held in Danny's memory have included a balloon release in Thatto Heath Park, a charity walk through the town and the SPB lighting up in blue for three nights from the Monday following his death.

Community fundraisers have collected more than £20,000 in his memory - to go towards funeral costs and possibly a permanent memorial.

St Helens town hall clock and the Steve Prescott Bridge were lit up in blue to mark the occasion.