A family plunged "into turmoil" by the gruesome dog attack killing of a four-year-old boy laid the little innocent to rest in tiny tear-stained white coffin.
Tragic John Paul Massey died when an illegal American pitbull terrier savaged his head and chest in a frenzied attack on 1st December at his grandmother's Liverpool home.
Pensioner Helen Foulkes, 64, who was mauled as she battled in vain to save her grandson from the fearsome jaws of the banned animal, was among the mourners.
The dog's owner, the dead boy's uncle, trainee soldier Christian Foukes was also among a congregation of two hundred at St Anne's RC Church, for a Requiem Mass.
As the cortege, led by a white horse-draw hearse arrived at the church in Edge Hill, a crowd of more than were gathered outside to honour the popular youngster.
Four pallbearers, among them Christian and John Paul's father, John Massey, all wore Everton shirts as they carried the tiny white coffin into the red sandstone church.
John, wearing a purple shirt, battled to control his emotions with tears streaming down his face as he carried his son's remains in for the private ceremony attended by more than 200 family and friends.
Heading the procession of mourners was John Paul's mother, Angela McGlynn, 32, who clutched his favourite cuddly-toy monkey, a single white rose, an asthma inhaler and pack of tissues.
Many of the family wept openly, including Helen Foulkes, as they listened to the "Mass of the Angels" celebrated by parish priest Fr Peter Mogan
Fr Morgan, who has comforted the family since the tragedy happened described John Paul as "a little saint".
As the coffin was borne towards the altar the strains of the hymn "Tears from Heaven" filled the church and later the communion hymn was "Do not be afraid".
Fr Morgan told the mourners how John Paul's brother Craig, 13, had changed his allegiance from Arsenal to Everton as a mark of respect to the dead youngster.
The priest told them: "Our hearts go out to Angela and John at the loss of their beautiful little son, John Paul. Our hearts go out to Helen, his nan and to all his family.
"John Paul has gone before us, long before his time. He is at peace, in the embrace of God, knowing that he has only known love in his life, and will only know love for all eternity.
"They have their own little saint, having the ear of God."
"The other day I saw Craig in his Arsenal football shirt, and being a Blue myself and knowing our little friend, John Paul, had been a true Blue, I made a comment about it.
"Craig beautifully replied that he had always sought to be above local football politics, but in memory of his little brother he had changed his allegiance and was now an Everton fan."
"Thank you all for coming today in solidarity with John Paul's family.
"His family will continue to need much love and so much support. May God bless them through this Mass of the Angels and give them peace."
John Paul's cousin, Charlotte Massey paid an emotion-charged personal tribute to him.
She said: "I have been blessed and privileged to be part of John Paul's life since he was born.
"He was a funny little character. He was stubborn but never forgot his manners.
"He always wore a smile and brightened-up any room that he entered. Anyone who was privileged enough come into contact with John Paul fell in love with him instantly.
"He was very bright and clever and always surprising us with something new.
"JP loved to go to McDonald's - not because of the food but because of the toys! He liked Kinder Eggs, but again only the toy - the chocolate would go in the bin.
"He was his dad's best mate and they idolised each other. He was a massive Everton fan and Tim Cahill was his favourite player.
"But he liked nothing better than going to the match with his dad who was his real idol and number one fan.
"I'll always be grateful to have shared his last day with him. When I spent time with him it was an excuse to be a kid again.
As the coffin was carried out to a private cremation the strains of the song 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star' were played on the organ.
Among the floral tributes was one from JP's uncle, Christian Foulkes, who has been questioned by police on suspicion of his manslaughter.
The wreath of white roses and blue chrysanthemums carried a card with the message: "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane we would walk right up to heaven and bring you back again. All our love always - Uncle Christian and Auntie Louise".
Speaking before the funeral Rf Morgan had given an insight into the family's grief.
He said: "They are suffering deeply.
"They're in great pain and I'm sure they're finding it incredibly difficult to come to terms with what has happened, it is a family in turmoil and great suffering.
"They really need all the love and support and the prayers that everybody can give.
"John Paul was a beautiful little boy. He was the life and soul of the family and to lose a little boy like this in these circumstances is just staggering, unbelievable, and causing great suffering to them.
"That little boy has never known anything else other than being loved, and at least that I think must bring some consolation to the parents."
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