Dozens of friends and relatives of Dele Little transformed a quaint and historic Hampshire church with a colourful sea of red and white yesterday as they came together to celebrate his life.

Dele was stabbed to death in Totton in February, prompting a massive outpouring of grief, particularly among the town's youngsters.

His death was one of those which prompted the Daily Echo to launch its Carrying A Blade - It's Not Sharp campaign which aims to keep knives off the streets.

The campaign is backed by Hampshire police, Southampton MP and former Home Office minister John Denham, Southamp-ton Test MP Alan Whitehead, and Dele's mum Angie Little.

Because the 15-year-old's family had held a small private funeral out of the area, this was the first opportunity many had to pay their respects and share memories.

There was standing room only inside St Mary's Church in Eling as hundreds of people turned out for the memorial service, which was very much a celebration of Dele's life and the joy he brought to others.

At the request of the Saints fan's mum, many of those at the church had come decked out in the team's colours, with dozens of Southampton and England shirts on display.

With the memorial itself being mostly organised by the teenager's friends, there was a heavy emphasis on youth, adding to the sense of tragedy surrounding Dele's death.

Tears flowed openly as pals' memories were recalled, and music played and sung, including an emotional performance by two of Dele's friends of Heaven, the Brian Adams song more recently covered by DJ Sammy.

One of his best friends, Danielle Fenney, described the teenager as "a funny guy, who was everyone's protector".

"We've come together to celebrate and remember his life, and reflect on the smiles and laughter we shared with Dele," said the 15-year-old, also from Totton.

"He had the sweetest smile and had so much to live for. We had some great memories and every time I think of them I smile."

Vicar of Eling, the Rev Chris Rowberry, told those gathered how impressed he had been by the teenagers behind the service.

"It has been young people who have put this service together and I think it is brilliant," he said.

"We all come here with our own experiences of Dele's life and death, and we should use this as an occasion to express our hope and feelings as we reflect on Dele.

"Many of you here are young people and you shouldn't have experienced the pain of death at your time of life, but memories are important because they bring that person back to mind."

After the service everyone went to the nearby Goaty beach to release dozens of red and white balloons, each with hand-written messages to Dele attached.