MOURNERS packed into Lowe House Church on Tuesday morning as an emotional funeral service celebrated the life of former rugby league player Tony Barrow.

Hundreds turned out with all seats taken and many more standing at the back of the church to pay respects to Tony, who died after a 21-month battle with a brain tumour earlier this month.

The father-of-two, from Thatto Heath, was a senior childcare worker at Nugent House, and showed great courage in battling the cancer glioblastoma multiforme with which he was diagnosed in 2015.

He even ran the St Helens 10k in 2016 with wife Ann-Marie and never let the illness waver his determination.

Among the mourners were many from the rugby league community including Saints' chairman Eamonn McManus, chief executive Mike Rush, coach Keiron Cunningham and former players Bobbie Goulding and Tommy Martyn.

The funeral hearse carried flowers bearing the word 'Son' in memory of the ex-Oldham and Swinton player, who was the son of Kath and former Saints player Tony senior.

Tony, who was 45, also left wife Ann-Marie, daughters Megan, 20 and Lucy, 17, sister Paula and brother-in-law Ste.

The service heard how Tony always showed "courage and determination", even during his illness and always bore his characteristic "smile".

Tributes had poured in since Tony's death, with those who knew him saying he never lost his humour and friendliness in the face of his disease which he fought to the end.

There was time for touching and amusing anecdotes from Tony's life, as he was described as someone who "gave everyone the same chance" and was "only concerned with those around him".

Moving poems written by his family were read out in tribute to a "gentle, funny, passionate, determined man".

A huge round of applause broke out following the eulogies - and messages written by Tony were read out to his family and friends.

Following the service, a wake took place at Saints' stadium.