A TEENAGER who was the "life and soul" of his family was given a heartfelt farewell from hundreds of grieving loved ones today.

Relatives, friends, school pupils and other members of the Oxford community gathered at the Central Oxford Mosque in Manzil Way, off Cowley Road, to say their last goodbyes to Aown Dogar.

The 13-year-old died after being pulled from the River Thames off Weirs Lane last Thursday.

Family members believe the Cheney School pupil jumped in to save a friend who survived.

Yesterday, family members standing outside the mosque were greeted at about midday with consoling hugs and flowers before heading inside to pay their respects.

Joining were hundreds of pupils from Cheney School, where Aown was a Year 9 student.

Deputy Head Alastair White said he was proud of the way pupils had come to the service for the football-mad teenager.